CREATIVE TOURISM AND ITS OPPORTUNITIES IN UZBEKISTAN

Question 1. What was the tourist situation when Uzbekistan gained independence, and what obstacles did you have to overcome? How do you feel about the current tourist situation? What are the goals and plan of Uzbekistan for the tourism sector?

Answer to Question 1: to date, tourism has become one of the leading sectors of the world economy. In this regard, special attention is paid to the modernization of the tourism sector in Uzbekistan, the development and improvement of the regulatory framework for the sustainable development of the industry, the organization of services to foreign guests based on international standards. The creation of the National Company “Uzbekturism” in 1992 was an important step in the formation of the national tourism model (now the agency for Tourism and cultural heritage). As the first transport route between East and West, the ancient cities of Uzbekistan occupy a high place. There are more than 8400 ancient architectural and archaeological objects in our country, 209 of which are included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. During 2016-2019, exports of tourism services increased by 3.4 times. From 2016 to 2022, the number of hotel farms reached from 609 to 1573, the number of tourism organizations reached from 484 to 1550, the number of family guest houses reached 2551. Visa-free regime for citizens of 90 countries, electronic visa regime for 57 countries, transit visa regimes for 101 countries have been introduced. Simplification of the visa regime is one of the main directions of the tourism development strategy. On the development of the tourism industry in 2018-2021 About 70 regulatory legal acts were adopted, in 2019-2025 the concept of development of the tourism industry in the Republic of Uzbekistan has been approved. For the last 5-6 years, Uzbekistan has been ranked in a number of international indices and ratings. For example (you can get information through the links below: https://pages.eiu.com/rs/753- RIQ-438/images / WCOL-free-report-V7.pdf;. Uzbekistan was the first in Central Asia to start issuing 3-year It-visas to founders of foreign IT companies, investors and information technology specialists. In 2022 636 placement facilities, 80 tourist organizations were re-launched. Question 2. What is the image of Uzbekistan that you want to show the world? To what extent do you think tourism is capable of describing and promoting Uzbekistan's identity? Answer to question 2: Uzbekistan is the center of the Great Silk Road and the heart of Central Asia, which has long attracted the attention of travelers from all over the world The Uzbek brand has been formed for thousands of years since the appearance of the Great Silk Road. More than 80% of tourists in the world know about the Silk Road. International Forbes magazine recognized the “Uzbek brand” as one of the most powerful brands on the Silk Road. A special place here is occupied by our country, Uzbekistan is given the status of the “Heart of the Silk Road”. The tourism sector of Uzbekistan is defined by the president of the country as one of the strategic sectors of the national economy of Uzbekistan. Due to the consistent policy pursued by our government, the flow of foreign tourists to our country has increased dramatically in a short time, the number of tourist infrastructure facilities has increased. Uzbekistan has been recognized as one of the most attractive and interesting destinations by many foreign publications (in particular, the New York Times, The Guardian, The Independent, Global Muslim Travel Index, National Geographic Traveler Awards, Lonely Planet, etc.) and is ranked high and high in international rankings. The geographical location of Uzbekistan makes it possible to organize joint trips around Central Asia, any regional tourist mashrut cannot be formed without Uzbekistan. The tourist centers of the countries of Central Asia are highly valued by foreign travelers. Thus, the Central Asian part of the Silk Road became the leader in the ranking of the best regions in 2020, according to the interpretation of The Lonely Planet edition. The coronavirus pandemic has caused significant damage to the global tourism and tourism industry. Most countries have a wide range of incentive measures and programs to revitalize the tourism industry. Supporting the tourism business, maintaining jobs and sources of income was the first next task. This is the current year of the president of the Republic of Uzbekistan The decree of May 28 became an important document. In general, with the onset of the pandemic, special programs were adopted by the Government of Uzbekistan to mitigate the impact of the coronavirus on the tourism sector by introducing largescale financial and credit means, tax and credit holidays, subsidies (grants and startups). We understand that ensuring security in the process of restoring international tourism is the main issue. This is why Uzbekistan has the highest level of tourism based on world standards and the latest developments in medicine. The sanitary and Uzbekistan epidemiological security system “Safe travel GUARANTEED” has been introduced. In accordance with IT, certification is carried out on the basis of new sanitary and hygienic requirements in relation to transport infrastructure, residential buildings, objects of material cultural heritage, museums, theaters and other cultural objects, in which tourist routes are formed. If we do not take into account the pandemic period in 2020, in 2019, more than 6.7 million foreign tourists visited Uzbekistan, which is from entry tourism compared to 2016 3 times more. As a result of the work carried out, the volume of exports of this sphere increased by 3 times, In 2019, it reached US $ 1,3 billion. As a result of the creation of a comfortable infrastructure for tourists, the widespread promotion of the tourist potential of the regions, the growth rate of domestic tourism in 2016-2019 amounted to 167%, reaching about 15 million tourist indicators. In the Republic, 209 objects of cultural heritage are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Four of them are Museum cities (“Ichan qal’a in Khiva”, “Historical center of Bukhara City”, “Historical Center of Shahrisabz city” and the city of Samarkand and its historical architectural and archaeological monuments are included under the name “Samarqand — madaniyatlar chorrahasi” The whole world knows the tourist centers of Uzbekistan, traditionally connected with Uzbekistan, such as Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Shahrisabz, Termez. These places are designated by many travelers as “ko‘rish kerak” addresses. In Uzbekistan, architectural monuments such as mosques, madrasas, mausoleums built in the style of Islam in the Middle Ages have been preserved, and they are the main tourist attractions. Great attention is paid to the preservation and repair of cultural heritage objects of the Uzbek people in our country. Among them are the Registan Square in Samarkand, built by the best masters of the Middle Ages, Ichan Kal’a in Khiva - an open-air museum city, the Ark qal‘asi in Bukhara and the Poyikalon ansambli, the Oq-Saroy saroy, in Shahrisabz, the Xudoyorxon saroyi in Kokand and many other buildings. Although the most popular type of travel in Uzbekistan is historical and educational tourism, much attention is paid to the development of gastronomic, wellness, MICE, mountain, agro, ethno, ecotourism, archaeological and creative types of Tourism. For foreigners visiting Uzbekistan, pilgrimage tourism is of particular importance, from the ancient and important monuments in the Islamic world there are Bahauddin Naqshbandiy complexes in Bukhara, Imom al-Buxoriy in Samarkand, Imom At-Termiziy complexes in Termez, as well as Christian and Buddhist monuments. The history of Uzbek folk crafts and Applied Arts is as ancient as the Uzbek people themselves (II nd century BC). An important place in the local craft trade was occupied by the Great Silk Road. The location of large craft centers of Uzbekistan along the Great Silk Road had a great influence on their development. The traditional crafts of Uzbekistan are bright and original, they have been formed for thousands of years and embody the traditions and customs of the peoples who lived on the territory of modern Uzbekistan at different times. The practical art of Uzbek craftsmen: ceramics, traditional national embroidery, fabrics, natural silk, miniatures with elegant varnish, filigree jewelry make a vivid impression on the tourist. Speaking about national cuisine, Uzbek cuisine ranked first in the category “Gastronomic tourism” in the interpretation of the National Geographic magazine. Recipes for cooking dishes of Uzbek national cuisine have been formed and passed down from generation to generation for many centuries. Many of our guests have unforgettable impressions of our country precisely because of its gastronomic potential. We can say with confidence that Uzbekistan is a country where it is worth going and tasting its national dishes, albeit once in a lifetime! Uzbekistan has no access to the sea. Even so, the area has many beautiful lakes, natural and artificial ponds and large rivers that cover Central Asia. The majestic mountains of Uzbekistan attract many tourists and extreme athletes. The most beautiful waterfalls, thousands of peaks, ski slopes, alpine meadows, nature reserves and forest areas, canyons and mountain lakes, caves and places of ancient civilization - the picturesque mountainous regions of this country have attracted tourists. Ethnic tours, organized in remote villages and lowlands, are also becoming more and more popular in Uzbekistan. Here tourists meet the original national heritage, which goes back hundreds of years, that is, the culture of the Ancient East. Only 13 km from Samarkand there is a separate place called The Tourist Village “Konigil”, this place is famous for its unique craft traditions, clear nature, shady trees, the Siyob River near it. On the territory of the complex, all the necessary conditions for receiving and serving guests are created. The main attraction of this place is the Meros qog‘oz zavodi, which has established the production of paper in an ancient way. This technology was used long before the advent of paper machines. The main feature of this technology is manual labor, in which only natural raw materials are used. Various types of these products have been known for thousands of years (until the VIII-IX centuries) not only in Central Asia, but also in the Middle East and Europe. A large number of Persian and Arabic manuscripts were made on Samarkand paper of the IX-X centuries. Currently, intensive work is underway to develop winter types of tourism in Uzbekistan. Special conditions for recreation and travel for fans of the winter season have been created in the Bostanlik and Zamin districts of Uzbekistan. Not far from Tashkent, a new Mountain-Ski Resort “Aniirsoy Resort” has been built, which meets modem requirements and international safety and service standards. The resort is located in one of the most beautiful and picturesque areas of the Tashkent region, on an area of 900 hectares in the foothills of the Chotkol Ridge in the western part of the Tien Shan mountains. Today there are 7 ski lifts and 10 slopes of different lengths and complexity, 38 alpine-style chalets, a SPA complex, restaurants of national and European cuisine, a walking area and a media center. Question 3. Uzbekistan has been a UNESCO member state since 1993 and participated in the Intangible Heritage Convention, which was ratified in 2003 in 2008 and emphasized the importance of valuing and promoting intangible heritage. What has been done in Uzbekistan in the last decade? What organ does intangible culture belong to? Answer to question 3: Uzbekistan became a member of UNESCO in 1993 and a participant in the convention on the protection of world cultural and natural heritage By signing the convention, Uzbekistan agrees to its obligations and supports the global protection of national-scale objects and world heritage objects. This is reflected in national laws and legal acts. By this time, 11 laws related to the preservation of cultural heritage in Uzbekistan and 48 legislative acts have been adopted To date, 11 objects from Uzbekistan are included in the representative list of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of humanity. They are as follows: S “Shashmaqom” - jointly presented by Tajikistan and Uzbekistan (2008) ■S “Boysun tumanining madaniy muhiti”- presented by Uzbekistan (2008) ■S “Katta ashula”- presented by Uzbekistan (2009) •S “Askiya” - presented by Uzbekistan (2014) •f “Palov madaniyati va an’analari” - presented by Uzbekistan (2016) ■S “Navro‘z” presented by Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, India, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan (2016) ■S “Lazgi”- presented by Uzbekistan (2019) S “Miniatyura san’ati”- together with Azerbaijan, Iran and Turkey) (2020) S “Baxshichilik san’ati”- presented by Uzbekistan (2021) S “Ipakchilik va to‘quv uchun an’anaviy ipak ishlab chiqarish” (in cooperation with the countries of Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Iran, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Turkey (2022) ■S “Xo‘ja Nasriddin haqidagi latifalarni takrorlash an’analari” Uzbekistan in cooperation with Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Turkey (2022) In addition, 1 object from Uzbekistan is included in the Register of the most advanced experiments on the protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage: Margilan Craft Development Center: maintaining the traditional technology of satin and adras weaving (2017) Festivals held under the auspices of the UNESCO and Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Convention: 1. In 2023, on April 5-10, The “Xalqaro baxshichilik san’ati festivali” is planned to be held in Termez; 2. In 2023, on August 26-30, the 12th International Music Festival “Sharq taronalari” is planned to be held in Samarkand. Also within the framework of the festival on August 22-27 in Tashkent, Termez, Samarkand “Material and intangible cultural heritage an international conference on preservation: current problems and strategies for solving them” is expected to take place; 3 In 2023, an International Craft Festival is planned to be held in Kokand on September 10-15. Question 4. Considering the diversity and wealth of Uzbek intangible culture, unique ceramics, textiles, paper production, cuisine, etc., was creative tourism discussed at the institutional level as a means of raising and prom oting the intangible culture of Uzbekistan? To w hat extent is interest in creative tourism in Uzbekistan? Answer to question 4: In recent years, several works have been carried out by the state and government of Uzbekistan to preserve and further develop national crafts and Applied Arts. In particular, the decree adopted by the president of the Republic of Uzbekistan in 2017 is aimed at demonstrating folk crafts and Applied Arts The Organization of the International Festival of Traditional Art of Uzbekistan “Sharq marvaridi” is scheduled for September every year. Also, the program for the development of 34 types of crafts in Uzbekistan has been approved, with the aim of forming a program of craft projects and providing financial support to industry representatives in total in 2018-2021 For more than 35,000 craft projects, preferential loans in the amount of 1.1 trillion soums were allocated, the rate of repayment of allocated loans in its term was 89%, and the total loans allocated to the industry so far have a term of 924 billion. Soumi was returned to commercial banks. At the same time, a total of 30 craft development centers were completed during 2020-2022. A national catalog of masters of folk folk Applied Arts was created and 376 masters who won honorary and international exhibitions and competitions were included in this catalog. Also, About 1.1 thousand craftsmen are included in the tourism register and make a worthy contribution to the development of this industry. With the support of embassies and representative offices of Uzbekistan in foreign countries, the CIS countries, Europe and the USA in the areas of pottery, em broidery, sericulture, wood carving, carpet weaving and hand-m ade weaving a total of 12.8 million. Products in the amount of US dollars were exported To establish online sales of national craft products uzcrafts.uz, suzanishop.uz and ikatm arketing.com like internet stores and on social networks uzcraft.com the channel and groups were formed. More than 5,000 products have been created on platforms such as Chust Do’ppi”, “A dras of M argilan”, “K arakul F u r”, “Rishtan Ceramics”, which reflect our national traditions in the direction of crafts, such as Amazon, Ebay and ETSY, in 12 areas with high demand for National Crafts, with online sales volume of 1,3 million, exceeded the dollar Question 5. On the official website for the prom otion of Tourism (https://uzbekistan.travel/en) in the section “Turizm ham m a uchun” there are many types of tourism (medical, literary, religious, cultural, gastronomic...) given, but there is no creative tourism . W hat are the reasons for its absence? Answer to question 5: Uzbekistan.travel there are many types of tourism in the “Turizm hamma uchun” section of its website. This section of the site contains a lot of information related to the craft and Applied Art of Uzbekistan, although creative tourism is not specified separately. Question 6. During my time in Uzbekistan, I noticed that the experience of creative tourism is rare and it is not easy to find it. Is it possible to get inform ation and statistics about the presence of positive experiences in the country and w hat kind of tourists it attracts? Have their existence changed in the last 10 years? W hat is your opinion about creative experiments organized by craftsm en or travel agencies? Answer to question 6: Today we will see that creative industries are developing in the country in the last 5-6 years, including painting, architecture, music and other similar areas as an example. In its place, many international festivals, exhibitions and forums are being organized in order to nominate and promote the Applied Art of Uzbekistan. For example, in 2018, the “Xalqaro kulolchilik festivali” was held, and by the decision of the president, since 2022, the Organization of the International ceramics forum and exhibition-trade of ceramics products has been established in Uzbekistan every two years in September. Also, since 2021, Uzbek folk art samples have been promoted from the “Milliy suvenirlar” festival throughout the country, since 2018-the “Xalqaro 0 ‘zbek milliy taomlari festivali”, since 2018- the “Ipak va ziravorlar” festival and other similar international events. Statistics on attracting tourists by prom oting crafts and Applied Arts are shown above*. Question 7. In recent years, many reform s have been carried out in Uzbekistan to further develop the tourism sector, especially in terms of improving transport and hospitality infrastructure. Considering the outstanding funds that the government of Uzbekistan is ready to invest in the development of Tourism and all the positive effects of creative tourism on local communities, can you imagine that the Government of Uzbekistan is spending a small part of its tourism investment to create and organize creative tourism at the national level? Answer to question 7: This year, for the Ministry system, there are a total of 9 projects a limit of 77,9 rnlrd so‘m was set, and in practice, work was completed in the amount of 57,4 mlrd so‘m (73.7%). From this: I. 48.5 billion soums were allocated to 5 educational institutions, 35,9 mlrd so‘m (74,0%) of work was completed. In particular, 1. The contracting organization for the reconstruction of Shahrisabz College of Tourism and Service is “Voha mash’ali” MChJ. The limit is 4,9 mlrd so‘m, the completed work is 4,9 mlrd so‘m, (100%). Works on the facility have been completed. 2. “Temir Qalqon” MChJ, the contracting organization for the overhaul of the Samarkand Technical College of Tourism and Cultural Heritage Limit 8,6 mlrd so‘m, the completed work is 7,7 mlrd so‘m (90%), Works on the facility will be completed by december 2022. 3. Reconstruction of Zomin district tourism and service college. The first contracting organization “Saddiniso Xabibullo” XK 2,6 mlrd. so‘m (15%) advance payment was paid. Based on the order of the Cabinet of Ministers (Order № 05/29-21 o f 20.04.2022 (XDFU) and Order o f 10.05.2022), the task of selecting another potential construction organization for the object is set. On 2022 20-July, a re-selection was held for the object and a contract was signed with “ISHTIXON BULDING” MChJ Limit 12,0 mlrd so‘m (85%), completed work is 9,5 mlrd so‘m (79%). Works on the facility will be completed on 2022 25 november. 4. “Buxoro Neft Gaz Suv Qurilish” MChJ, is the contractor for the reconstruction of Bukhara Tourism and Cultural Heritage Technical College. Limit 11,5 mlrd. so‘m, the completed work is 7,2 mlrd so‘m (62%). Works on the facility will be completed in december 2022. 5. “Xamkor Gaz-Neft Qurilish” MChJ, the contracting organization for the reconstruction of the Khiva Technical College of Tourism and Cultural Heritage. The limit is 11,5 mlrd so‘m, the completed work is 6,7 mlrd so‘m (58%). Works on the facility will be completed in december 2022. II. A limit of 29,5 mlrd.so‘m was set for the preparation of 4 facilities in Samarkand during the SCO Summit, and 21,5 mlrd.so‘m (73,0%) of the work has been completed so far. In this regard, based on the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers adopted yesterday, all scheduled works will be completed by december. Including: 1) 6,5 mlrd.so‘m (81,2%) of the work was completed based on the limit of 8,0 mlrd.so‘m set for the establishment of the “Turizm va madaniy meros ta’lim bog‘i”. 2) 9,0 mlrd.so‘in (75%) of the work was completed based on the limit of 12,0 mlrd.so‘m set for the “Art rezidensiya” facility. 3) General Assembly of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). 2,0 mlrd.so‘m (66,7%)from the set limit of 3,0 mlrd.so‘m for the organization of the “Ipak yo‘li instituti” on the basis of the cultural heritage object (Samarqand sh. Boburmirzo ko'cha, 3-ny) planned to be opened within the framework of the 25th session ) job done. 4) 4,0 mIrd.so‘m (61,5%) of the 6,5 m lrd.so‘m limit set for the “Silk Road” art gallery were implemented. 2022 works are 74% completed and the remaining works will be fully completed by december. Question 8. The New Silk Road International Tourism University in Sam arkand is distinguished by the presence of many influential professors and teachers from all over the world. To w hat extent does the University and the government cooperate to promote tourism ? Is there an ongoing project? W hat are the goals of the Silk Road university related to tourism in Uzbekistan? Answer to question 8: “Ipak yo‘li” International University of Tourism and madiny heritage is a higher educational institution established in order to organize a system of professional training in the field of international tourism and cultural heritage and to practical implementation of the initiatives of the Republic for conducting research work, to further develop historical, cultural. Shanxav H am korlik Tashkilotiga humanitarian, economic relations of the member. Bachelors and masters at the University were in high demand in the labor market They receive training in specialties of 25 titles. To introduce quality education, the university has set itself several tasks. Including: •f National highly qualified professional personnel in the field of tourism using modern innovative scientific and pedagogical technologies, the latest achievements of Science and technology and ensure quality training in accordance with international educational standards; ■f Creation of educational and methodological literature on relevant areas and specialties of Education, conducting fundamental and applied scientific research with the involvement of young students and specialists, introducing the experience of leading foreign educational institutions into the educational system in the field of Tourism; •f Development and implementation of new educational programs and innovative forms of training aimed at improving and modernizing the training system in the field of Tourism and cultural heritage; •S Increasing the scientific and pedagogical potential of the University, actively improving pedagogical technologies and teaching methods by regularly sending promising young graduates to foreign higher education institutions and Research Centers for Master's and doctoral studies; ■f Creation of conditions for the continuous integration of educational and scientific activities with production activities; S Organization of retraining and professional development of specialists in the fields of Tourism and cultural heritage; ■f Implementation of tourism activities and logistics activities in the field of Tourism It is known that the tourism sector was defined by our president Shavkat Mirziyoyev as one of the strategic sectors of the national economy of our country. Since tourism is a very effective guide to economic interests, investments, knowledge and know-how, it is significant as a growth multiplier for related industries. To this end, the Government of Uzbekistan is important to support the tourism sector measures continue to be implemented: tax, financial, credit; new mechanisms of travel incentives such as “cashback” and “tax free” are being introduced, business procedures are being optimized. In addition, instead of general approaches, individual targeted plans for the development of each region, District, neighborhood were switched. Following the example of Samarkand, one can see the change of the city, the new airport terminal, the “Silk Road Samarkand” tourist complex and much more. For example, 40 new hotels, restaurants, improved road infrastructure, etc. And such development programs are being implemented in every region of our country. In addition, based on the current growth dynamics of the tourism industry, we can say that the demand of educational institutions for training personnel and a modernized approach to its implementation are considered very important. Accordingly, the “Silk Road” Tourism and serious tasks were set before the International University of cultural heritage. Large-scale work is being carried out to increase the recognition of our tourist sites, cultural heritage facilities, increase the geography of tourists and the number of flights, promote the tourism brand of Uzbekistan abroad. This will undoubtedly create the need for competitive personnel in the effective implementation of tasks, the establishment of sustainable tourism. The training programs of students of our university are coordinated based on international experience for the training of competitive personnel. Also, training programs have been improved in cooperation with regional employers, private sectors.