UNDP Uzbekistan

UNDP “Local Governance Support Project: Participation and Partnership” (LGSP) organized a round-table in participation of representatives of National Company “Uzbektourism”, the National Parks Management Department of Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resource, The Resorts Management Department of the Federation of Trade Unions of Uzbekistan, tourism companies, mass-media and management of sanatoriums and resorts, which are located in Zaamin district of Djizak region (Zaamin). The aim was to present the touristic potential of Zaamin and to discuss results of the efforts made, in assistance of UNDP Project, to prepare touristic zone Zaamin to accept local and foreign tourists in summer season.

UNDP project in cooperation with the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan and in assistance of Djizak regional khokimiyat implementing complex initiatives targeted towards increasing the touristic and investment potential of Zaamin district.

In particular, now, within this initiative UNDP project is engaged in increasing the capacities of guest houses, tour guides, in developing the touristic routes, cultural and leisure programmes, in solving the issues related with logistics. Until the end of May 2012 it is planned to complete the installation of road signs and information boards along the touristic routes, and near such tourism sites as natural sightseeing, archaeological sites, as well as guest houses, where tourists can stay and get acquainted with the traditions and customs of the local population. Also, the information and handout materials, souvenirs and other promotional materials are being produced, to promote touristic zone Zaamin.

It should be noted that these initiatives are being realized within the framework of the Decree of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan #14/1-299 “The program of targeted actions for the promotion of tourism and increase of the export potential of tourism services in the Djizak region for the period 2011-2012” dated October 4, 2011. Moreover, the recommendations and feedbacks of touristic companies and mass-media, proposed during several events organized by UNDP, were also considered in development and implementation of action plans.

For example, aiming to increase the familiarity and visual perception of Zaamin as a tourism destination, exemplary brand and marketing strategies, including an original logo and slogan, as well as concrete investment proposals were developed by UNDP experts, for the first time in Uzbekistan. These efforts were discussed during the special round-table, the tourism and investment potential were introduced to potential investors, touristic companies and participants of the 17-th Tashkent International Tourism Fair “Tourism on the Silk Road” (TITF02911), which took place during the period of 2-4th of November, 2011 in “Uzxpocenter”. In January 2012 UNDP Project organized a 2-day information tour to “Zaamin” sanatorium  for representatives of travel agencies and mass-media, aiming to assess the possibility of attracting tourists to the "Zaamin" sanatorium for the winter season, and to discuss and obtain specific proposals for ski tourism development on the grounds of "Zaamin" sanatorium.

During the meeting, which took place on the eve of the summer touristic season, participants were presented the results of the efforts made within the framework of preparing the touristic zone Zaamin for the opening of the season. One of the efforts involve tourism development through the community-based-tourism concept, since the creation of partnerships between local authorities, private sector and the local communities is one of the most promising forms of cooperation in the development of agricultural tourism, thus affecting the well-being of the  population living in remote areas and preserving natural and cultural heritage. In this regard, participants were informed about the existing living and leisure conditions in the guest houses of Zaamin, including the conveniences offered inside the accommodations, developed tourism routes, qualified tour guides, cultural and leisure programs and issues of transport logistics.

Representatives of the "Zaamin" sanatorium, "Urikli" and "Sharshara" resorts provided information to touristic companies, which offer health-tourism packages - about the created living conditions, treatment and leisure packages, offered by above mentioned sanatorium and resorts.

As a result of the discussions, participants agreed that they will undertake joint efforts to inform potential tourists about the new tourism opportunities in Zaamin, widely disseminate information on the tourism and investment potential of Zaamin, and increase the number of visiting tourists.