Friday, March 15, 2024
At SATTE 2024, Travel And Tour World had the pleasure of speaking with Ahror Validjanov, the Director of the Silk Road Office at The Republic of Uzbekistan Tourism Committee. Amidst the bustling atmosphere of the third day of the exhibition, Validjanov shared insights into Uzbekistan’s tourism strategy and its burgeoning relationship with the Indian market.
Thriving Presence at SATTE 2024
Validjanov highlighted the vibrant and busy environment at SATTE 2024, noting the significant interest from the Indian side towards Uzbekistan. “The first couple of days were very busy with lots of interviews and meetings,” he said, emphasizing the productive interactions that have taken place.
Promoting Uzbekistan to Indian Tourists
When asked about how Uzbekistan is promoting itself to attract Indian tourists, Validjanov shared that the approach is multifaceted. Besides actively working with partners from the Indian government to strengthen relationships, Uzbek tourism companies are collaborating closely to organize various tours. Significant agreements with major players in India’s tourism industry have been made to organize marketing campaigns in India. These include familiarization and press trips to Uzbekistan, allowing them to better understand how to promote and tailor experiences for Indian tourists.
Participation in Global Events Beyond SATTE
Looking ahead, Validjanov revealed that Uzbekistan is participating in numerous international exhibitions this year. Following a strategic preparation of their tourism infrastructure for international visitors, Uzbekistan aims to showcase its readiness and diversity in the tourism sector. Events in Spain, Japan, China, and Malaysia are on the agenda, driven by the country’s preparedness post-pandemic and its diversified tourism offerings.
Expanding the Uzbek Tourism Landscape
A significant insight from Validjanov was the shift in the type of tourism that Indian tourists are interested in. Beyond cultural and leisure purposes, there is a growing interest in organizing MICE events and weddings in Uzbekistan. “We realized that we already have this infrastructure in our charming cities like Samarkand and our capital, Tashkent, as well as all our regions,” he noted. Uzbekistan, much like India, hosts large wedding parties, indicating a readiness to cater to such events.
Moreover, Validjanov pointed out the interest in mountain tourism among Indian tourists, highlighting the world-class, all-season mountains in the Tashkent region. With the necessary infrastructure for ski tourism developed, Uzbekistan is poised to offer diverse tourism experiences.
Invitation to Indian Tourists
Ending the interview on a welcoming note, Validjanov extended an invitation to Indian tourists, urging them to discover the beauty and hospitality of Uzbekistan. “Thank you very much, come to Uzbekistan, welcome!” he concluded, signaling Uzbekistan’s eagerness to welcome tourists from India and around the world.
This exclusive interview with Ahror Validjanov underscores Uzbekistan’s strategic efforts to deepen its tourism ties with India and its commitment to showcasing its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty on the global stage.
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
