Uzbekistan Taps Malaysia's Expertise To Expand Muslim-Friendly Travel

By Zarul Effendi Razali and Nabila Uzma Abd Kadir

KUALA LUMPUR, June 21 (Bernama) -- Uzbekistan is tapping Malaysia's expertise in Muslim-friendly tourism and halal ecosystem development as it seeks to emulate the country’s success in attracting international tourists and delivering Muslim-friendly travel experiences.

Its Ambassador to Malaysia Dr Karomidin Gadoyev said Malaysia's success in attracting international tourists and developing a comprehensive halal ecosystem offered valuable lessons for Uzbekistan as it works to expand its Muslim-friendly tourism offerings.

“Halal tourism is very important. We are working very hard to expand this halal tourism, to have many halal hotels, halal restaurants, and to create a halal ecosystem, including in tourism, with Malaysia’s assistance,” he told Bernama when met at the HUITM-Umrah Plus International Travel Market Exhibition 2026 here recently.

Gadoyev said Uzbekistan had been sending personnel to Malaysia, which it regarded as a global frontrunner in the Muslim-friendly tourism industry, to learn best practices in attracting tourists and enhancing Muslim-friendly services.

He said even the smallest details were crucial in ensuring a successful Muslim-friendly tourism experience.

“We have to learn from Malaysia because, in Muslim-friendly tourism, even the smallest element is very important,” he said.

Beyond religious and halal tourism, Gadoyev said Uzbekistan was promoting historical tourism, drawing on the country's rich architectural and cultural heritage, while ecological tourism featuring mountain and desert landscapes was gaining popularity among visitors.

He said gastronomic tourism was another attraction, noting that Uzbekistan offered “very delicious food”.

Gadoyev said agricultural tourism was emerging as a growing segment, allowing visitors to harvest and sample fruits directly from orchards and farms, while tours to cotton plantations had become increasingly popular among foreign visitors, reflecting Uzbekistan's position as one of the world's leading cotton producers.

-- BERNAMA