Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan to Develop Shared Tourism Route

Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan have reached an agreement to take steps towards developing a joint tourism route, according to the Uzbek Tourism Committee’s press service.

As a result of the meeting, Uzbekistan’s National PR Center and the Azerbaijan Tourism Bureau signed a memorandum of understanding, The Caspian Post reports, citing Uzbek media.

The two parties plan to collaborate on promoting a unified tourism route themed around the Great Silk Road.

Last week, Umid Shodiyev, Chairman of the Tourism Committee, held talks in Samarkand with Azada Guseynova, Deputy Head of Azerbaijan’s State Tourism Agency. The main focus of their discussions was cooperation and the advancement of joint tourism initiatives.

As part of the Joint Silk Road Highlights Tour initiative, tours across both countries will be marketed in Central European markets, with a spotlight on major historical attractions including Baku, Shamakhi, Khiva, Bukhara, and Samarkand.

The tourism authorities also plan to organize joint B2B events, roadshows, and participation in international exhibitions. The project is expected to increase tourist flows and raise awareness of the historical heritage of both countries.

At the Central Asia-European Union Summit on April 4, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced plans to develop a “One Tour - Entire Region” concept inspired by the EU’s travel model. He also endorsed the idea of introducing a single Central Asian visa for foreign tourists, an initiative first proposed by Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov in March.