“Travel time between tourist cities will be reduced threefold” – President

“Travel time between tourist cities will be reduced threefold” – President

The President of Uzbekistan has issued a decree titled “On organizing the activities of the Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan and measures for the accelerated development of the tourism sector.”
The goal is to bring the tourism industry to a new level by 2030, attract 20 million tourists annually, and create thousands of new jobs.

According to the decree:

• The share of tourism in GDP will increase from the current 3.5% to 7%;

• Starting from 2026, tourists will be able to receive VAT refunds in cash at the border;

• Travel time between tourist cities will be reduced threefold;

• An International Tourism Academy under the auspices of the UN will be opened in Samarkand;

• Renting houses and cottages to tourists will be simplified.

These changes will enhance Uzbekistan’s reputation on the international stage and support sustainable economic growth. The expansion of hotel services, transportation, and service sectors will increase household incomes and improve living standards. Infrastructure investments will create more convenience not only for tourists but also for local residents.