Uzbekistan Unveils “Open Tourist Season” With Subsidies to Boost Travel
Uzbekistan has launched its inaugural «Open Tourist Season», a comprehensive new programme designed to significantly increase the influx of international holidaymakers. Initiated in early June and scheduled to run until August, the initiative was introduced under a recent decree by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev focused on the development of the Samarkand region.
Following this summer’s launch, authorities have confirmed that the promotional season will become an annual event.
Financial incentives
To rapidly stimulate the tourism industry, the Uzbek government has rolled out a series of highly lucrative financial incentives targeting both domestic and international travel businesses.
- Aviation Support: Both local and foreign airlines will receive partial financial compensation to help cover the operational costs of launching new flight routes into Uzbekistan.
- Direct Subsidies: The state has pledged to provide a direct subsidy of $100 for every individual foreign tourist brought into the republic.
- Tour Operator Bonuses: Domestic travel agencies and operators are eligible to claim a substantial $5,000 reward for every 1,000 international guests they successfully attract.
- Tax Relief: Hotels and registered tour operators will benefit from a generous new cashback scheme, allowing them to recover up to half of the Value Added Tax (VAT) paid on their services.
Digital marketing and global PR
Alongside direct financial backing for the hospitality sector, the state is investing heavily in global digital promotion to elevate Uzbekistan’s profile on the world stage.
The government has committed to fully funding week-long, all-expenses-paid trips for 50 high-profile international bloggers. To qualify for the state-sponsored press trip, each content creator must boast an established audience of more than five million followers.
Furthermore, state authorities will directly reimburse the advertising expenses incurred by businesses promoting Uzbek travel packages on the world’s largest online tourism platforms.
