Uzbekistan Proposes Summer Siesta Schedule for Tourism Industry
Uzbekistan’s Tourism Committee has published a draft resolution proposing the introduction of a summer siesta across the country’s major historical cities. The initiative aims to adapt the local hospitality sector to extreme seasonal heat and protect both industry workers and international visitors.
The pilot project, currently open for public discussion, would be implemented annually from June 1 to August 31, aligning with the highest recorded temperatures in the region. The proposed operational changes would primarily affect tourist facilities located in the capital city of Tashkent, alongside the popular historical destinations of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, which draw the highest concentrations of international footfall.
Under the suggested schedule, participating businesses would divide their operating hours into distinct shifts. Facilities would open for a morning session between 07:00 and 13:00, followed by a mandatory four-hour operational pause during the peak afternoon heat. Establishments would then resume operations for an evening shift extending from 17:00 until 23:00.
This altered timetable would apply to a wide range of tourism-dependent businesses that operate heavily during daylight hours. The resolution targets hotels, hostels, museums, architectural monuments and protected nature reserves. It also extends to restaurants, cafes, local tour operators, travel agents and various entertainment venues catering directly to holidaymakers.
Enhancing visitor comfort and economic efficiency
During the designated afternoon break, affected establishments must maintain operational air conditioning and provide comfortable, climate-controlled waiting zones for visitors. The draft document explicitly dictates that this mandated operational pause must not negatively impact the salaries of hospitality employees. Duty staff and reception services must also remain active and available during these mid-day hours.
To complement the late-evening hours, the committee is encouraging the development of distinct twilight tourism products. Museums are invited to launch specialised «Night Museum» and «Evening Excursion» cultural programmes. Similarly, food and beverage venues have been tasked with creating bespoke evening entertainment programmes and tailored seasonal menus to attract patrons after the sun sets.
The primary goal of the initiative is to increase the overall comfort of tourists during the harsh Central Asian summer, potentially extending their total length of stay. The committee also hopes the shift will boost the economic efficiency and capacity utilisation of local tourism infrastructure during the hottest months.
Evaluating the pilot phase
Government authorities will monitor the pilot project closely throughout the entire summer season. Once the trial period concludes, officials will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of its overall operational effectiveness. Based on the resulting data and industry feedback, the government will decide whether it is viable to expand the siesta practice to other regions across the country in subsequent years.
This legislative proposal arrives amidst significant growth in the local tourism sector. According to the National Statistics Committee, Uzbekistan welcomed over 6.5 mln foreign tourists during the first half of 2026, representing a 24.9% increase compared to the same period last year.
