President Mirziyoyev Reviews Major Tourism Development Projects in Shakhrisabz District
Shakhrisabz, The Gulf Observer: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited the Shakhrisabz district of Kashkadarya region to assess the progress of large-scale tourism development projects in the foothills of the Hisar Mountains, part of a broader national effort to unlock the region’s rich tourism potential.
Tourism, the President emphasized, is a key sector capable of generating employment, boosting household incomes, and transforming underdeveloped areas with relatively modest investment. Recognizing this, the Government of Uzbekistan has made the sector a priority, particularly in regions like Kashkadarya, which offers significant natural and cultural assets.
Pursuant to the Presidential Resolution of November 28, 2023, comprehensive infrastructure development is underway to turn the mountainous areas of Kashkadarya into vibrant tourist destinations. In collaboration with leading foreign specialists and companies, modern tourism facilities are being developed in the mahallas of Miraki, Amir Temur, Uloch, and Polmon. The scale of investment is considerable—117 projects are being implemented across 240 hectares with a total investment volume of $400 million, expected to generate approximately 1,700 permanent jobs.
The President closely reviewed the transformations taking place in Miraki, which has emerged as a flagship initiative under the ongoing tourism reforms. Previously underutilized and lacking coordinated infrastructure, the area has now been transformed into the Miraki International Tourism Center, a structured and modern tourism cluster.
Among the newly created facilities are a 10-kilometer eco-trail along both banks of the Aksu River for walking and cycling, a children’s playground, an amusement park, a recreation area for senior citizens, family guest houses, and retail pavilions—collectively giving the mahalla a revitalized appearance.
The newly opened Miraki Spa and Resort already features two operational hotels, a shopping and entertainment complex, accommodation for 600 guests, and a family hostel with a 300-person capacity. The tourism center is designed to serve more than 300,000 tourists annually.
President Mirziyoyev also inspected the operational status of a new hotel and commercial complex and reviewed upcoming tourism projects. Highlighting the region’s potential, he stated:
“The advantage of Shakhrisabz is that it can be visited year-round. We are building roads, installing utilities, and constructing hotels. Now it is important to broaden the range of services. What will tourists do in Miraki? How will they spend their time, and what will they purchase? Based on this, we must develop offerings and actively promote the region’s natural and infrastructural assets abroad.”
To support investor engagement and enhance tourist accessibility, engineering and utility networks have been installed, roads leading to Miraki and within the mahalla have been repaired, and the electricity supply has been significantly improved. A two-kilometer cable car and a restaurant situated 2,700 meters above sea level have also been built near the Gissarak Reservoir, adding to the region’s appeal.
These efforts are already bearing fruit. In 2024, Kashkadarya welcomed more than 2.5 million tourists, including nearly half a million who visited the Shakhrisabz district specifically. With ongoing enhancements to infrastructure, services, and promotional activities, tourist arrivals are expected to rise significantly in the coming years, solidifying Kashkadarya’s position as a premier tourism destination in Uzbekistan.
