ISLAMABAD (Big Digit) Uzbekistan eyes stronger tourism ties with Pakistan

By Rehan Khan

ISLAMABAD, Saturday, April 12, 2025 (Big Digit): The Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan, Alisher Tukhtaev has highlighted the deep-rooted historical and cultural ties between Uzbekistan and Pakistan while stressing the need to boost tourism cooperation between the two nations.

Addressing the Uzbekistan Tourism Roadshow – 2025 held at the Best Western Hotel in Islamabad on Friday, Ambassador Tukhtaev said the event offered a valuable opportunity to further cement people-to-people connections and unlock the tourism potential that exists between both countries.

“It is a great honor to be here today. On behalf of the Embassy of Uzbekistan, I extend my gratitude for your support in promoting tourism between Uzbekistan and Pakistan,” the ambassador said in his keynote address.

Reflecting on the shared heritage, he said that both nations are connected by centuries of cultural, historical, and trade linkages. “Islamabad and the ancient cities of Uzbekistan such as Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva reflect a common Islamic civilizational legacy. These cities were once vibrant centers of learning and spirituality, particularly within the Sufi tradition,” he added.

Ambassador Tukhtaev underlined the historical connections tracing back to iconic figures such as Amir Timur and Zahiriddin Babur, saying that the two countries share common values, religion, and traditions. “Now is the time to translate this strong bond into real opportunities for tourism and economic collaboration.”

He noted that both governments were actively working to facilitate travel, with simplified visa regimes, direct flights, and expanding cooperation among tourism operators.

“Tourism is not just about travel – it builds mutual understanding, fosters friendships, and enables cultural exchange. We envision thousands of Pakistanis exploring Uzbekistan’s rich history, and Uzbeks discovering the vibrant culture of cities like Lahore and Karachi,” he stated.

Highlighting Uzbekistan’s diverse tourism offerings, the envoy said the country, located at the heart of the ancient Silk Road, boasts majestic cities with UNESCO World Heritage status, including Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, known for their stunning mosques, palaces, and madrasas.

He said Uzbekistan is not just a destination for history lovers but also offers adventure tourism, with deserts, mountains, and lush valleys ideal for hiking and eco-tourism. “The Kyzylkum Desert and our mountainous regions offer unforgettable experiences for nature enthusiasts.”

Uzbek cuisine, he said, is another major attraction. “Dishes like palov, shashlik, and samsa leave a lasting impression on visitors. Food is a bridge between cultures, and we hope to host more festivals that celebrate our culinary ties.”

The ambassador also pitched Uzbekistan as a destination for health and wellness tourism, pointing to the country’s natural springs and resorts, which are open to Pakistani travelers.

He invited Pakistani investors to explore opportunities in hospitality, transport, and cultural event management in Uzbekistan, adding that both countries are working to strengthen academic and vocational exchanges in the tourism sector.

Ambassador Tukhtaev emphasized the use of digital platforms in facilitating tourism, including online bookings, virtual tours, and smart travel planning tools. He also encouraged bloggers and social media influencers from both sides to play a proactive role in promoting cross-border tourism.

“As we look to the future, we must prioritize sustainable and eco-friendly tourism practices. We invite our partners in Pakistan to collaborate on initiatives that protect our shared environment while enhancing the tourism experience,” he said.

Concluding his remarks, Ambassador Tukhtaev reaffirmed Uzbekistan’s commitment to building a vibrant tourism partnership with Pakistan. “Today marks a new chapter in our bilateral tourism ties. Let us work together to create joint travel packages, cultural exchanges, and innovative experiences for tourists.”

The roadshow brought together representatives from the travel industry, government officials, investors, and cultural stakeholders from both countries, in a bid to boost bilateral tourism flows and encouraging new business ventures in the sector.