Uzbekistan to Offer Pre-Umrah Visits to Pilgrims from Malaysia and Indonesia
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev is pushing for a significant increase in tourism in Uzbekistan, with plans to attract 1 million tourists in the near future. Last year’s tourism service exports of $3.5 billion were seen as falling short of the country’s full potential.
One key initiative involves attracting followers of the Naqshbandi Sufi order in Malaysia and Indonesia to visit Uzbekistan’s Muslim shrines and religious landmarks before embarking on their Umrah pilgrimage. Plans are being made to offer an “Umrah Plus” tour package for these pilgrims, bringing them to cities like Samarkand and Bukhara before heading to Mecca.
The President has also directed authorities to organize international-level concerts, business forums, and exhibitions at key tourist centers like “Aksaray” in Shahrisabz, “Itchan Kala” in Khiva, and others. By hosting such events, it is hoped that hotels, restaurants, cafes, and service facilities will be filled with visitors.
In addition to these initiatives, efforts are underway to identify and restore historically significant attractions in Uzbekistan. With many unexplored historical sites in the country, a three-year program is being developed in collaboration with experts to preserve and showcase these treasures.
Overall, these efforts are expected to not only boost tourism in Uzbekistan but also highlight the country’s rich cultural and historical heritage to a global audience. With the right strategies in place, Uzbekistan is poised to become a top destination for travelers seeking unique and authentic experiences.
