Kuwait, Uzbekistan boost tourism ties with joint forum and future visa-free travel

Assistant Undersecretary for Tourism at Kuwait’s Ministry of Information, Osama Al-Mukhial, affirmed that the Uzbekistan-Kuwait Tourism Forum reflects the strength of bilateral relations and a mutual desire to expand tourism cooperation.

Speaking at the forum—organized with support from the Uzbek Embassy and led by the Uzbek Tourism Committee—Al-Mukhial welcomed the committee’s chairman, Yumid Shadiyev, and the visiting delegation.

He praised Uzbekistan’s vibrant tourism sector, known for its rich historical heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and diverse oriental cuisine. Al-Mukhial described the forum as an ideal platform to explore unconventional travel destinations and reaffirmed Kuwait’s commitment to developing promising partnerships that offer diverse experiences to Kuwaiti tourists, reports Al-Rai daily.

For his part, Uzbek Ambassador to Kuwait H.E.Ayub Yunusov thanked participants for their strong engagement, noting that the forum, themed “Uzbekistan – The Jewel of the Silk Road,” highlights the unique assets of his country’s tourism.

He pointed out that Uzbekistan and Kuwait share over three decades of constructive ties, which were further strengthened by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s visit to Kuwait earlier this year. That visit led to the signing of the 2025–2027 Tourism Cooperation Program.

Ambassador Yunusov highlighted the visa waiver for Kuwaiti citizens introduced in June 2021, allowing 30-day stays, and commended Jazeera Airways for launching direct routes to key Uzbek cities including Tashkent, Namangan, and Samarkand—boosting connectivity and cross-cultural exchange.

Committee Chairman Yumid Shadiyev emphasized the rapid growth of Uzbekistan’s tourism industry, which welcomed over 10 million visitors in 2024 and aims to attract 15 million tourists annually by 2030. He described Uzbekistan as a blend of ancient Islamic landmarks—like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva—and modern attractions such as mountain resorts in Amirsoy and health-focused eco-tourism initiatives.

Shadiyev invited Kuwaitis to experience Uzbekistan’s multifaceted offerings and outlined a roadmap for bilateral tourism promotion, including joint marketing campaigns, media and operator familiarization trips, and expanded flight connectivity.

He referenced President Mirziyoyev’s proposal at the 2023 Central Asia–GCC Summit in Jeddah to develop a unified visa system between Gulf and Central Asian countries. “One day,” he said, “travelers might be able to visit Tashkent and Kuwait City with a single visa.”

The forum featured a presentation titled “Uzbekistan – Jewel of the Silk Road,” showcasing UNESCO World Heritage sites, pilgrimage routes, culinary tourism, and medical tourism options. Business-to-business and government-to-business meetings were held between tourism stakeholders from both countries, resulting in preliminary agreements for promotional and exploratory trips.

Representatives from Kuwait’s Ministries of Information and Tourism, Chambers of Commerce, airlines, and tourism companies participated, along with a notable presence of media professionals and business figures.

Shadiyev also announced that starting June 2025, Kuwaitis will be allowed visa-free travel to Uzbekistan for up to 30 days—another step toward achieving the country’s goal of attracting 15 million tourists annually.

He encouraged Kuwaiti investors to explore opportunities in Uzbekistan, especially in hospitality and eco-resorts in regions such as Tashkent, Jizzakh, and Kashkadarya. The Uzbek government, he noted, offers attractive incentives, including reimbursements of up to $5,000 per hotel room in officially recognized tourism projects.