Discover the unfading charm and modern wonders of Uzbekistan
In this exclusive interview, Ikboljon O. Soliev, Counsellor, Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in New Delhi, sheds light on the significant role India plays in Uzbekistan's strategic plans. The deep-rooted historical ties between the two nations extend beyond tourism, encompassing culture, education, politics, and the economy. Soliev is of the opinion that this profound connection serves as the foundation for a collaborative relationship, positioning India as a crucial source market for Uzbekistan tourism.
Uzbekistan has always been a fascinating destination with a rich history, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes. It is a destination that appeals to history enthusiasts and those looking for a unique cultural experience. Uzbekistan's tourism offerings are continually evolving, and the country is actively working towards creating a dynamic and attractive destination to encompass all types of tourists.
Timeless Charms and Modern Transformations
Uzbekistan was a crucial part of the ancient Silk Road trade route, and today, visitors can explore well-preserved historical cities such as Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. Tashkent, the capital city, offers a mix of modernity and tradition. While Uzbek cuisine is diverse and flavourful, the Uzbek people are known for their warm hospitality and friendliness towards visitors. The country has a rich tradition of craftsmanship as well.
The cities of Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva are currently undergoing a comprehensive transformation, focusing on both infrastructure development and the creation of new attractions. In a thoughtful recommendation, Soliev shares, “For those considering a visit to our destination, I recommend a comprehensive itinerary spanning at least six or seven days to explore these splendid cities and some other enchanting places in Uzbekistan. The geographical and cultural richness of our country can be best experienced with a longer stay with different things to do in different seasons.”
Eyeing India's Dynamic Tourism Landscape
Soliev views India as an essential and strategic destination in its efforts to expand and deepen its engagement on multiple fronts. Uzbekistan Tourism, represented by India’s Blink Brand Solutions, organised its maiden edition of the India roadshow in Mumbai in December 2023. The roadshow was aimed at showcasing the diverse Uzbekistani tourism offerings to the Indian travel trade, boosting tour operators’ destination awareness, and stimulating their interest in promoting Uzbekistan as an exciting tourism destination.
To foster deeper connections and promote Uzbekistan as an enticing destination throughout India, Soliev says, “While our primary focus has been on Delhi, we acknowledge the importance of other cities like Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, and others as we recognise the vastness of India and its diverse travel preferences. In light of this, we are further keen on enhancing our ties through various promotional activities, including tourism and social media promotion, advertisements, roadshows, webinars, seminars, exhibitions, workshops, and engaging travel agents on FAM trips. Our aim is to ensure that more Indian travellers are drawn to our destination while simultaneously highlighting the diverse offerings in terms of economics and the overall charm of our wonderful country.”
High Expectations from India
Soliev emphasises the anticipation of robust growth in visitor numbers from India in the coming years. Uzbekistan recorded around 29,000 visitors in 2019 and is expected to have reached more than 40,000 visitors by the end of 2023. “Our expectations are high for 2024 given the immense interest shown by Indian travellers in various segments of tourism, including nightlife, cuisine, ecotourism, and sports,” says Soliev.
Looking ahead to 2024, Uzbekistan Tourism is in the process of drawing up comprehensive plans for its marketing activities in India, considering the dynamic trends and emerging opportunities in the Indian market. "While we are committed to exploring new facets of our country, we are deepening our understanding of the Indian market, both of which in turn will offer enriching experiences to Indian travellers,” concludes Soliev.