The first day of the Hotel Business Forum 2026 took place in Tashkent
2026-02-13 19:20:00 / News
The main theme of the forum — “Artificial Intelligence: The New Trend in Tourism and Hospitality” — reflects the industry’s drive for innovation and the search for modern solutions to advance tourism in Uzbekistan.
The event welcomed over six hundred delegates, including international guests from Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Turkey, Germany, and other countries. Participants included representatives of global hotel brands, restaurateurs, investors, IT and sustainable development specialists.
During plenary and thematic sessions, experts discussed how artificial intelligence is transforming hotel management, improving service quality, promoting tourist destinations, and enhancing Uzbekistan’s competitiveness in the global market. Special attention was given to investments, building national brands, developing “smart” and eco-friendly solutions, as well as topics of women’s leadership and the role of the human factor in hospitality.
Participants highlighted that digitalization and the adoption of innovations open new opportunities for Uzbekistan — from attracting tourists to creating a sustainable tourism ecosystem that combines modern technologies with traditional Uzbek hospitality.
Additionally, the forum featured an interactive B2B exhibition showcasing a full range of products and services for the HoReCa segment from leading hospitality suppliers. Exhibitors included manufacturers and suppliers of equipment, professional kitchenware and inventory, furniture and interior items, professional textiles, uniforms, automated security systems, lighting, and sound solutions.
Tourism development remains one of the country’s top priorities. In 2025, Uzbekistan welcomed 11.6 million international visitors, while the domestic tourism program “Travel Around Uzbekistan” saw over 23.7 million trips by local residents across the regions. Last year, 1,023 new accommodation facilities were opened, including 136 hotels, 528 family guesthouses, and 298 hostels. The total number of accommodation facilities reached 6,921, offering 185,600 beds. These figures demonstrate the sustained growth of the tourism sector and the increasing interest in Uzbekistan as a modern, dynamic destination on the world tourism map.
The forum will continue on February 14, with the second day dedicated to developing the professional competencies of the new generation of specialists and concluding with the National Hospitality Awards Ceremony.