- Uzbekistan is stepping up efforts to attract Kuwaiti tourists and investors as part of a broader strategy to expand its fast-growing tourism sector and strengthen bilateral cooperation with Kuwait. Uzbek officials highlighted a renewed promotional push that showcases the country’s rich cultural heritage, historic landmarks, diverse cuisine, and distinctive Islamic architecture as key attractions for Gulf travelers.
Uzbekistan is positioning itself as one of the fastest-growing tourism destinations in the region, according to Shahbuz Saidanov, advisor to the head of the Uzbek Tourism Committee and director of the National Center for Public Relations. He said the country is actively working to strengthen its presence in the Kuwaiti market through expanded tourism cooperation, increased familiarization trips, and efforts to attract Kuwaiti investors and tourism companies.
Saidanov highlighted that Uzbekistan offers a wide range of unique tourism assets that make it particularly appealing to Kuwaiti travelers. These include its ancient history and cultural heritage, diverse cuisine, traditional crafts, scenic natural landscapes, and rich Islamic architectural landmarks in its historic cities.
He noted that improving bilateral relations between Kuwait and Uzbekistan are further supporting tourism growth, especially following the launch of direct flights and growing cooperation between travel and tourism companies in both countries. This, he said, has helped boost cultural, commercial, and tourism exchanges.
As part of its outreach strategy, Uzbekistan’s National Center for Public Relations is working closely with Kuwaiti tourism stakeholders to organize familiarization trips for travel agents, influencers, and media representatives. The goal is to showcase Uzbekistan’s tourism offerings and increase its visibility in the Kuwaiti market, reports Al-Jarida daily.
Saidanov also said Uzbekistan is expanding its tourism sector beyond traditional destinations by developing new tourist sites and hosting year-round international events, festivals, and concerts. He added that international film production companies will begin filming in Uzbekistan from next September under newly signed cooperation agreements.
He confirmed that direct flights between Kuwait and Uzbekistan have already been launched, marking a new phase in bilateral relations and significantly improving tourism, cultural, and commercial connectivity. He also noted growing interest among Kuwaiti travelers, with Uzbekistan increasingly seen as a destination combining history, nature, and culture.
On promotional efforts, Saidanov said Uzbekistan continues to roll out marketing initiatives and participate in international tourism exhibitions, with a strong focus on partnerships with Kuwait. He announced that the Tashkent International Tourism Exhibition will take place from November 25 to 27, alongside the first-ever tourism investment forum, inviting Kuwaiti companies and investors to explore opportunities in the sector.
Separately, Abdulaziz Akulov, head of the Uzbek Tourism Committee, said tourism has become a key driver of economic growth in Uzbekistan. He noted the country’s ambitious goal of attracting 20 million tourists annually by 2030 and increasing tourism export revenues to more than $6 billion.
He added that investors are being offered incentives such as tax exemptions, government support, preferential financing, and public-private partnership opportunities, as Uzbekistan works to transform tourism into a nationwide development engine covering hotels, resorts, infrastructure, and diverse sectors such as ecotourism, religious tourism, gastronomy, and luxury travel.
