ISLAMABAD, April 14. /Dunyo IA/. A delegation from Uzbekistan’s Tourism Committee visited Islamabad as part of a "roadshow" aimed at promoting the country's tourism potential and increasing the flow of tourists from Pakistan, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

During the visit, the Chairman of the Committee, Umid Shadiev, met with the head of the Sustainable Tourism Foundation Pakistan, Aftab ur-Rehman Rana. The meeting focused on expanding cooperation in tourism, enhancing efforts to increase mutual tourist flows, exchanging experiences, developing joint tourism programs, training and professional development of personnel, and creating additional conveniences for tourists.

Following the discussions, the parties agreed to develop specific and practical measures aimed at deepening mutual cooperation in these areas.

Additionally, the Uzbekistan-Pakistan Tourism Forum, "Uzbekistan – the Pearl of the Silk Road", was held. The event was attended by representatives of the Pakistani government, the diplomatic corps, the leadership of the Sustainable Tourism Foundation, tour operators, hotel management, major tourism companies, business circles, and the media.

Within the framework of the forum, B2B and G2B meetings were held with Pakistani representatives interested in organizing tours to Uzbekistan and cooperating with Uzbek partners in the tourism sector.

The event featured speeches by Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan, Alisher Tukhtaev, Chairman of the Tourism Committee, Umid Shadiev, and Managing Director of the Pakistan Sustainable Tourism Foundation, Aftab ur-Rehman Rana. Information was presented about the consistent policies of Uzbekistan’s leadership in developing tourism infrastructure, improving industry legislation, attracting investments, and the significant results achieved by the country in this field. Special attention was given to the additional conveniences created for local and foreign tourists in Uzbekistan, attractive tourism programs tailored specifically for Pakistani tourists, as well as opportunities in pilgrimage, gastronomic, winter, mountain, and health tourism.

The common cultural heritage of Uzbekistan and Pakistan, the historical ties between the two nations along the Great Silk Road, and the important role of tourism as a means of enhancing interstate relations were emphasized. The importance of jointly holding various festivals, developing exchange programs, and particularly supporting and activating mutually beneficial business ties, as well as establishing air connections between different cities of Uzbekistan and Pakistan, were highlighted.

The forum also featured a presentation of the conditions created for entrepreneurs in the tourism sector in Uzbekistan, tourism infrastructure, as well as measures to support the hotel business and the unique experience of Uzbekistan in this area.

Simultaneously, as part of the "roadshow", a business forum took place, including a B2B session with the participation of representatives of travel agencies, hotels, and transportation companies from both countries. During the negotiations, mutually beneficial agreements were reached, new business ties were established, and prospects for joint tourism projects were discussed.

In the second part of the event, a concert program by Uzbek masters of art was presented. Attendees were also able to explore an exhibition of national costumes, handmade items, and visual arts, which attracted great interest from the Pakistani audience.

Following the exhibition, a team of skilled chefs, led by the famous chef Bakhriddin Chustiy, treated the guests to traditional Uzbek dishes such as pilaf, somsa, halva, fresh fruits, and various desserts, creating a warm atmosphere and reflecting Uzbek hospitality.