National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan

During the meeting, Aziz Abdukhakimov noted that, thanks to the initiatives of the leaders of both countries, significant achievements have been made in tourism in recent years, with the number of tourists increasing annually.

For reference: In 2018, the number of tourists from Turkey to Uzbekistan was 41,299; in 2019 – 63,539; in 2021 – 44,168; in 2022 – 75,559; in 2023 – 106,516; and in 2024 – 149,146. The number of Uzbek citizens visiting Turkey was 170,636 in 2021; 305,831 in 2022; 187,749 in 2023; and 229,968 in 2024. Correspondingly, the scale and frequency of flights have also increased significantly. Currently, 106 flights are operated weekly (compared to 62 in 2023, 20 in 2022, and 10 in 2021).
The meeting emphasized the importance of further expanding bilateral cooperation.

"We intend to expand routes and connect Uzbekistan's tourist destinations with key Turkish cities—Izmir, Muğla, Fethiye, Alanya, Adana, Bursa and others. To fully realize this potential, we need to triple the number of flights. Additionally, we propose launching the "Million+Million" program, aimed at attracting at least one million tourists to each country," said A. Abdukhakimov.

During the meeting parties agreed to strengthen cooperation with several initiatives:

—Increasing air connectivity between tourist destinations;
—Further promoting Turkey's tourism potential in Uzbekistan and vice versa;
—Attracting followers of Maturidi, Naqshbandi, and Bukhari residing in central and eastern provinces of Turkey (approximately 3 million people) to Uzbekistan, expanding museum cooperation, and increasing cultural events;
—Implementing the "Turkish friendly" program, deepening the study of the two countries' histories and jointly producing films;
—Organizing a "Destination Forum" in Uzbekistan for representatives of the Turkish tourism industry;
—Connecting Uzbekistan's tourist destinations with major Turkish tourism centers—Izmir, Muğla, Fethiye, Alanya, Adana, Bursa, etc.—and tripling the number of flights;
—Launching the "Million+Million" program, aiming to attract at least one million tourists in each direction;
—Organizing thematic exhibitions and photo displays dedicated to rapidly developing tourism sectors in Uzbekistan—ecotourism, extreme tourism, pilgrimage tourism;
—Arranging trips for Turkish tourists to the "7 saints of Bukhara";
—Creating sections of Uzbek museum exhibits in Turkish museums;
—Holding demonstrations, cultural festivals, and open-air events in major art centers, parks and gardens of Turkey, dedicated to Uzbek arts—Bakhshi, Maqom, and the dance "Lazgi", included in UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List;
—Attracting tour operators, restaurateurs, and investors to Uzbekistan to create tourism products;
—Installing Turkish-language signs in airports, hotels, cafes and restaurants; creating menus, individual routes, excursions and tours for Turkish tourists; and establishing restaurants combining the cuisines of both countries;
—Exchanging experiences in various areas of tourism.

In turn, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy supported all of Uzbekistan's initiatives.

"Uzbekistan, with its historical and cultural wealth, is one of the most important tourist destinations in the world. Unique cities like Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva hold significant places in the cultural heritage not only of Central Asia but of the entire world. Additionally, Uzbek cuisine, traditional crafts, and hospitality further enhance Uzbekistan's appeal in the tourism sector," said Mehmet Nuri Ersoy.

For reference: In Uzbekistan, there are 12 hotels and tourist facilities collaborating with Turkey ("International," "Wyndham," "Intercontinental," "Calik Energy," "Piramit Tower," "Sarikoc Holding," etc.). Additionally, over 100 restaurants have been opened in our country in partnership with Turkish counterparts.

In 2025-2026, with the support of Turkish investments, 11 hotel projects totaling $167.9 million are planned for implementation in the Bukhara, Samarkand, Jizzakh, Fergana and Tashkent regions.