Uzbekistan’s Arda Khiva tourism complex and Kazakhstan’s FlyArystan are stepping up cooperation to promote tourism between the two countries following the launch of a new direct air route between Almaty and Urgench.

On the opening day of the international Games of the Future, representatives of Arda Khiva and FlyArystan met with tour operators from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in Almaty to discuss new opportunities created by the route, UzA reports.

During the meeting, Arda Khiva representatives presented Khorezm’s tourism attractions and special travel packages for FlyArystan passengers, including accommodation and sightseeing programs. The airline, meanwhile, highlighted the benefits of the new direct connection.

Urgench is located just 30 kilometers from Khiva, whose historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, making the new route particularly attractive for travelers seeking to explore Uzbekistan’s cultural heritage.

As part of the partnership, the companies agreed to organize a familiarization tour for leading Kazakh tour operators and bloggers from August 7 to 10, coinciding with the Golden Melon Festival.

The program will include visits to Khiva’s Ichan Kala, a tour of Arda Khiva’s facilities, participation in festival events and B2B meetings with representatives of the local tourism industry.

The cooperation follows a Memorandum of Cooperation signed by Arda Khiva and FlyArystan earlier this month, with the Almaty meeting marking another step in putting the agreement into action.

Regular direct flights between Almaty and Urgench will begin on September 3, operating twice a week on Thursdays and Sundays. Tickets will be available through the FlyArystan mobile app, its official website and other sales channels.

FlyArystan is also expanding its international network, with regular flights to Urgench scheduled to launch on September 3 and flights to Chongqing on September 23.