BANJARMASIN, February 16. / “Dunyo” IA/. A presentation on the tourism potential of Uzbekistan was held in the administrative center of the Indonesian province of South Kalimantan, “Dunyo” IA’s correspondent reports.

The event was attended by the deputy mayor of Banjarmasin, Ibu Ananda, representatives of the South Kalimantan Provincial Tourism Office, the chairman of the pilgrimage and hajj organization, Saridi Salimin, heads of leading travel companies, umrah organizers, and representatives of local media.

During the presentation, it was emphasized that Uzbekistan and Indonesia are united by common historical and cultural roots, the heritage of Islamic civilization, and similar values.

Today, tourism in Uzbekistan is recognized as a strategic industry. Particular attention is paid to pilgrimage tourism: the heritage of outstanding scholars - Imam al-Bukhari, Imam at-Tirmidhi, Bahauddin Naqshband - is of considerable interest to Indonesian pilgrims.

Indonesian industry experts noted the historical role of Uzbekistan as a country located at the crossroads of the Great Silk Road, which for centuries has been a center of trade, science, and Islamic thought. Representatives of travel companies emphasized that Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva are not only historical and architectural complexes, but also living cultural centers.

As part of the Umrah Plus program, Indonesian pilgrims are offered a spiritual and educational itinerary that includes a trip to Mecca and Medina, as well as visits to Samarkand and Bukhara. According to the participants, this initiative could take practical cooperation between the two countries to a new level and has generated considerable interest among the Indonesian audience.

The importance of organizing direct flights and institutionalizing cooperation between tour operators was also emphasized.

Deputy Mayor of Banjarmasin Ibu Ananda noted that the development of tourist ties with Uzbekistan opens up new opportunities for the province of South Kalimantan.

"Most of our population is interested in religious travel. Uzbekistan, as an important center of Islamic civilization, is of great interest to the public. Local tour operators are ready to include this destination in their programs," the city hall representative emphasized.

Sariadi Salimin, chairman of the Umrah and Hajj organization Forum Komunikasi Perusahaan Umroh dan Haji, spoke about Uzbekistan's role in the Islamic world.

 “Samarkand, the birthplace of Imam al-Bukhari, has great spiritual significance for Indonesian Muslims. We are considering the possibility of including Uzbekistan in the Umrah Plus program and are interested in establishing direct cooperation mechanisms with Uzbek travel companies,” he said.

The event featured a large-scale multimedia presentation of Uzbekistan's tourism potential. Participants were introduced to the country's cultural and historical heritage, pilgrimage sites, modern tourism infrastructure, tourist centers in Samarkand and Khiva, international hotel chains, as well as opportunities for winter and eco-tourism.

The presentation was followed by G2B meetings. Tour operators held bilateral talks and discussed practical aspects of cooperation.

Issues such as air travel, visa requirements, logistics for group pilgrimages, halal standards, hotel infrastructure, and mechanisms for working with local partners were also discussed.

Some Indonesian tour operators noted their positive experience of cooperation with Uzbek companies, the high quality of services, and the level of security. During the dialogue, participants received answers to their questions.