MOSCOW, September 22. /Dunyo IA/. Russian tour operators are recording an increase in demand for travel to Uzbekistan, reports Dunyo IA correspondent, citing with the Russian Union of Travel Industry (“RST”).

In autumn, Russian tourists predominantly book classic sightseeing itineraries covering the cities of Uzbekistan, as well as short city tours. According to tour operators, tour sales have increased by up to 65 percent compared to the same period last year.

At “Intourist”, demand for sightseeing tours to Uzbekistan for September-November has increased by 15 percent year-on-year. Among the most popular options is the six-day “To the Heart of Tamerlane’s Empire” tour, priced from 47,000 rubles per person, excluding airfare. Among the new offerings is the three-day “Tashkent for the Weekend” city tour, priced from 21,900 rubles.

“Alean” reported a 65 percent increase in bookings for tours to Uzbekistan compared to last autumn. According to the tour operator, the growth was driven by an expanded range of tour offerings and an expanded hotel base. Tourists choose hotels in Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, including properties operated by international hotel chains.

According to “RST”, the cost of sightseeing tours to Uzbekistan has increased by 5–10 percent over the past year. The main demand is for 7–8-day programmes covering visits to Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, as well as gastronomic and cultural itineraries.

Expansion of direct air connectivity between Russia and Uzbekistan has also contributed to the growth in tourist flow. In particular, Centrum Air has launched flights connecting Tashkent with Yekaterinburg, Ufa and Perm.