Uzbekistan, Malaysia Chart Course For Tourism Expansion

KUALA LUMPUR,  Feb 1 (Bernama) -- Uzbekistan and Malaysia are deepening their tourism partnership by expanding transport links, developing joint tour packages, and promoting their tourism offerings to unlock new opportunities and boost visitor flows.

Chairman of the Tourism Committee of Uzbekistan, Umid Shadiev, said the tourism sector plays a vital role in both countries’ economies, creating jobs, contributing to infrastructure development, and strengthening connections between the two nations.

Despite the geographical distance, he said there is enormous potential to expand tourism ties, bringing economic benefits and fostering cultural exchange.

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“We are committed to unlocking the full tourism potential of both Uzbekistan and Malaysia, which can be realised through joint efforts. Both countries possess a rich cultural heritage, unique natural resources, and experience in tourism development.

“Both sides are actively working on expanding transport links, creating joint tourist packages, and promoting their tourism offerings in partner countries.

“Direct flights between Tashkent and Kuala Lumpur play a vital role in boosting tourist flows. Plans to diversify routes and increase flight frequency will further enhance accessibility between Uzbekistan and Malaysia.

“Another promising area is the creation of twin-centre tour packages which include visits to both countries. They will be of particular interest to tourists wanting to combine a variety of cultural and natural attractions in a single trip,” he said in a statement. 

He added that in the coming years, tourism will open new horizons for both countries, enhance multifaceted bilateral ties, and bring long-term economic and cultural benefits.

Shadiev said Uzbekistan and Malaysia are bolstering initiatives to position themselves as prime destinations for Muslim-friendly tourism, educational travel, and eco-tourism.

“Both countries belong to the Islamic world and take great pride in their shared Islamic cultural heritage. This is an essential driver of pilgrimage tourism, which holds a special place in their hearts as well as their economies,” he said.

He added that Uzbekistan’s historic cities, such as Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, were ancient centres of Islamic culture and learning, attracting pilgrims from around the world, particularly from Malaysia.

“Malaysia has extensive experience in organising such tours and is, therefore, a key partner for Uzbekistan,” he said.

Meanwhile, Shadiev said the introduction of a visa-free regime for citizens of both countries, valid for up to 30 days, has simplified travel and significantly boosted tourist flows, with Malaysian visitor numbers to Uzbekistan more than doubling from 4,396 in 2023 to 9,464 in 2024, reflecting growing interest in the country as a tourist destination.

Shadiev said Uzbekistan and Malaysia have great potential to attract tourists interested in nature and sustainable tourism.

“Jointly developing this sector through experience-sharing should be a key focus of bilateral cooperation,” he said.

Meanwhile, Shadiev said educational tourism holds great potential. Therefore, Uzbekistan actively encourages academic exchange programmes, attracting students from around the world, including Malaysia.

He added that Malaysian educational institutions can collaborate with Uzbek universities to implement joint programmes, further strengthening cultural ties and promoting academic tourism.

-- BERNAMA