Uzbekistan Tourism Roadshow 2025 in Islamabad Celebrates Shared Heritage and Future Opportunities
Islamabad, The Gulf Observer: The Uzbekistan Tourism Roadshow 2025 opened with vibrant cultural performances by Uzbek artists, offering a vivid display of the country’s rich heritage and signaling a renewed push to boost tourism ties between Uzbekistan and Pakistan. Held in Islamabad, the event was organized to enhance collaboration, foster people-to-people connections, and spotlight Uzbekistan as a prime destination for history, adventure, and wellness tourism.
Speaking at the event, Uzbek Ambassador Alisher Tukhtaev emphasized the deep-rooted historical and cultural connections between the two nations, dating back to the times of Amir Timur and Babur. In his keynote address, he underscored tourism’s power to strengthen mutual understanding and unity between the Uzbek and Pakistani people.
“This roadshow is a good chance to bring our nations even closer through tourism and people-to-people contacts,” said Ambassador Tukhtaev.
Highlighting the cultural parallels between Islamabad and the ancient Uzbek cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, the Ambassador noted their shared Islamic heritage and Sufi traditions, inviting Pakistanis to explore Uzbekistan’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites and vibrant culture.
He outlined recent strides made by both governments to facilitate easier travel, including simplified visa regimes, direct flights, and expanding business partnerships in the tourism sector. The event called on travel agencies, investors, and business leaders from Pakistan to take advantage of these opportunities by investing in hospitality, transportation, and joint tourism initiatives.
Ambassador Tukhtaev also spotlighted Uzbekistan’s diversity as a travel destination — from historic architecture and Silk Road legacies to natural landscapes ideal for eco-tourism and adventure travel, including the Kyzylkum Desert and mountain valleys.
In addition to history and nature, Uzbek cuisine — featuring dishes like palov, shashlik, and samsa — was presented as a bridge between cultures, with a vision for future culinary festivals that celebrate shared tastes and traditions.
Uzbekistan is also positioning itself as a health and wellness tourism hub, offering visitors access to natural springs and resorts aimed at healing and relaxation. The Ambassador invited Pakistani investors to contribute to building tourism infrastructure, from hotels to cultural event planning, while also noting efforts in professional training and academic partnerships in tourism education.
Digital innovation was another key focus, with Uzbekistan introducing smart tourism platforms, virtual tours, and online booking systems to modernize the visitor experience.
In his closing remarks, Ambassador Tukhtaev called for joint efforts in creating eco-friendly tourism solutions, collaborative travel packages, and greater engagement through social media influencers and bloggers to showcase the charm of both countries to the world.
“Today is a new beginning in tourism relations between Uzbekistan and Pakistan. Let us build this future together,” he concluded.
The Uzbekistan Tourism Roadshow 2025 marks a pivotal step in strengthening bilateral tourism, cultural exchange, and economic cooperation between the two nations — building on centuries-old ties with a forward-looking vision.
