New incentives introduced for hotel and tourism projects in New Tashkent and Samarkand’s “Shirin” area
2026-11-13 20:10:00 / News
Under the Decree, a special legal regime is introduced in New Tashkent city and the “Shirin” area of Samarkand city for large projects worth at least 50 million US dollars. The project categories eligible for this regime include hotel complexes, entertainment theme parks, recreation areas and integrated resort zones. Trade, tourism and service projects must attract leading international brands, with preliminary agreements reached with the rights holders.
The document also sets a separate condition for international hotel brands. Projects of companies ranked among the world’s top 50 hotel brands or top 5 hotel chains may benefit from the special regime even if their value is below 50 million US dollars.
Projects under the special regime are granted a number of incentives. These include a 20-year exemption from property and land tax, a 1 percent profit tax rate for 5, 10 or 15 years on income from leasing or selling the facilities, exemption from customs duties on equipment and materials imported for construction, and the lease of land plots for up to 49 years through auctions or tenders.
The Decree also sets out specific measures to develop tourism infrastructure. To encourage the creation of tourism facilities in the special zones, increase the number of hotels and improve service quality, the validity of the incentives and financial support measures provided for in paragraph 2 of Presidential Resolution No. PQ-238 of 27 July 2023 has been extended. Under this paragraph, investors building new hotels are reimbursed for their costs in the following amounts:
- 40 million sums per room for 3-star hotels with at least 60 rooms;
- 65 million sums per room for 4- and 5-star hotels with at least 120 rooms.
These incentives will now apply in the special zones until 1 January 2035, regardless of the investment amount.
In addition, a mechanism is planned to reimburse up to 50 percent of franchise fees paid to attract foreign brands for restaurants, sports and urban development facilities in the special zones.