TASHKENT, January 15. /Dunyo IA/. Today, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev got acquainted with the presentation of the results of international cultural events, further objectives on tourism development and establishment of major cultural and tourism facilities, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

According to the press service of the Head of our State, over the past years Uzbekistan has been consistently strengthening its positions in international cultural arena. The 43rd session of UNESCO General Conference has been successfully held in Samarkand with the participation of over 3 thousand delegates from 190 countries. As a result a “road map” on the practical implementation of Uzbekistan’s initiatives in the sphere of preserving cultural heritage, education and creative industries was adopted.

The results of the country's participation in the World Expo 2025 in Japan have been summarized. The Uzbekistan pavilion, “Garden of Knowledge,” located on an area of 1,200 square meters, was visited by about 1 million people. The exhibits received wide international coverage and became one of the most visited pavilions. At the same time, preparations have begun for participation in EXPO 2030 in Saudi Arabia, where a 3,600 square meter pavilion is planned to be built.

The results of the First Bukhara Biennale of Contemporary Art were noted. Over a period of 70 days, 14 restored cultural heritage sites were used on an area of 3.5 hectares. The biennale was attended by 70 artists and curators from more than 40 countries. The event was visited by about 1.8 million people, including over 100 high-ranking foreign guests. It is emphasized that Uzbekistan's participation in the Venice Biennale on a permanent basis since 2021 has ensured an increase in tourist flow from Italy and the expansion of international professional contacts.

Major international concert programs were held in the country. In particular, Jennifer Lopez performed in Tashkent, Andrea Bocelli in Samarkand, and Black Coffee in Khiva. During the events, hotel occupancy in the respective cities exceeded 90 percent, which had a positive impact on tourist activity and service sector revenues.

It was noted that in 2025, the number of tourists exceeded 11 million, exports of tourism services reached $4.8 billion, and the number of countries whose citizens are eligible for visa-free travel increased to 94.

At the same time, it was pointed out that the tourism sector needs to switch to a project management system, introduce a unified mechanism for creating and developing tourism products, and strengthen the coordination of major events.

Particular attention is paid to the digitalization of the industry. The task has been set to launch a National Tourism Platform with the integration of state and private information systems, the introduction of proactive digital services for tourists and entrepreneurs, the expansion of cashless payments, and the analysis of tourist flows. It was noted that digitalisation is expected to reduce the share of the shadow economy and increase annual tourism revenue.

The need to implement a new marketing strategy to promote the country's tourism potential in priority markets – the U.S., the Persian Gulf countries, India, China and Scandinavia – was emphasised. Tasks were set to expand Uzbekistan's presence on international tourism platforms, develop digital content, and attract major media outlets and opinion leaders.

The presentation reviewed projects for major cultural and artistic facilities.

The Samarkand Heritage Trail project is being launched in Samarkand. A single tourist route stretching 6.6 kilometres will connect the Registan ensemble, the Bibi-Khanum and Shahi-Zinda complexes, and the Mirzo Ulughbek observatory.

A project for a new Silk Road museum in Samarkand has been presented, which involves the construction of a modern three-story building with a total area of 19,500 square meters, featuring an inclusive environment, exhibition halls, storage facilities, and educational spaces.

The landscape design of the Mirzo Ulughbek Observatory is planned to be updated. A new museum building, immersive exhibition halls, a visitor center, and landscaped walkways will be created, integrating archaeological sites into a unified museum environment.

A master plan for the city of Bukhara was also presented, which provides for the creation of a comfortable urban environment, the development of transport and tourist infrastructure, and the creation of a historical and ethnographic park as a multifunctional complex with a congress hall, amphitheatre, library, food hall, retail and commercial facilities, and a high-class hotel.

Following the discussion, the President emphasized the need to strictly link cultural projects with tourism development objectives, ensuring their economic sustainability and quality management.