Uzbekistan Abandons Cotton Cultivation for Tourism Development

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has proposed giving up cotton production in favor of developing tourism during a recent meeting with voters in Samarkand. Mirziyoyev believes that tourism has the potential to generate more income for the country than growing cotton.

President emphasized that revenue from cotton sales did not exceed a billion dollars, even during years when the population was forced to work in harsh weather conditions. In contrast, the tourism sector has already surpassed this revenue threshold, and by increasing its development three to four times, Mirziyoyev believes there would be no need to continue cotton production.

To support the growth of tourism, Mirziyoyev outlined several plans. Foreign tourists will be eligible for a refund of value-added tax on products purchased in Uzbekistan at all international airports. Tour operators and exporting enterprises will receive a full refund of value-added tax. Convenient transportation will be provided for tour operators on tourist routes, and facilities in cities will be improved. Additionally, the payment of value-added tax for tourist vehicles imported from abroad will be allowed in installments over three years and without interest. The government also aims to increase the number of flights from various cities, such as Fergana, to major destinations like Tashkent, Nukus, Bukhara, and Urgench to promote domestic tourism.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has set an ambitious goal of having at least 25 million Uzbek citizens traveling within the country by 2030. To achieve this, the government plans to establish private partnerships to provide intercity bus transportation across the country. Furthermore, new tourist routes will be opened in Fergana, Khorezm and Karakalpakstan. The development of the tourism industry will also involve constructing an additional 4,000 hotels, guest houses, and hostels in various regions. The number of guest beds will be increased from 120,000 to 250,000, aiming for a twofold growth.