Free land, soft loans and tax cuts for hotels: state invests in tourism
Uzbekistan
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has unveiled a set of bold initiatives to accelerate the development of tourism and services in Uzbekistan. Entrepreneurs will receive free land, preferential loans, and subsidies, while hotels will benefit from reduced taxes.
During an open dialogue with entrepreneurs, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced a new state program for tourism development.
Since the beginning of the year, Uzbekistan has welcomed 7 million foreign tourists, while 15 million citizens have traveled domestically. Within the next 3–4 years, the annual flow of foreign visitors is expected to reach at least 15 million.
Key measures include:
Over the next three years, 5,000 hectares of land will be allocated for hotels and tourism facilities. The land will be given free of charge, with the state entering projects as a shareholder. Entrepreneurs will be able to buy back the state’s share within 10 years, and those who pay upfront will receive a 20% discount.
Preferential loans will be provided: up to 30 billion soums in regional centers and tourist areas, and up to 10 billion soums in other regions. Loan terms: 7 years, including a 2-year grace period.
Subsidies will also be extended to entrepreneurs who purchase and convert existing buildings into hotels.
The current tourist fee of up to 62,000 soums per day will be abolished for all hotels outside Tashkent, regional centers, and major tourist zones.
Family guesthouses will now be allowed to host twice as many tourists as before.
The president also proposed an annual competition among hotels and guesthouses with a prize fund of $1 million. Winners will be determined based on positive reviews on international platforms.
Large year-round resort complexes covering 300–500 hectares will be developed in Chortoq (Qorabog‘), Fergana (Chimyon), Boysun (Omonkhona), and Nurobod (Nurbuloq). The state will allocate $150 million for their infrastructure.
“Where infrastructure is strong, entrepreneurs will come by themselves and services will thrive,” the president said.
Since the beginning of the year, Uzbekistan has welcomed 7 million foreign tourists, while 15 million citizens have traveled domestically. Within the next 3–4 years, the annual flow of foreign visitors is expected to reach at least 15 million.
Key measures include:
Over the next three years, 5,000 hectares of land will be allocated for hotels and tourism facilities. The land will be given free of charge, with the state entering projects as a shareholder. Entrepreneurs will be able to buy back the state’s share within 10 years, and those who pay upfront will receive a 20% discount.
Preferential loans will be provided: up to 30 billion soums in regional centers and tourist areas, and up to 10 billion soums in other regions. Loan terms: 7 years, including a 2-year grace period.
Subsidies will also be extended to entrepreneurs who purchase and convert existing buildings into hotels.
The current tourist fee of up to 62,000 soums per day will be abolished for all hotels outside Tashkent, regional centers, and major tourist zones.
Family guesthouses will now be allowed to host twice as many tourists as before.
The president also proposed an annual competition among hotels and guesthouses with a prize fund of $1 million. Winners will be determined based on positive reviews on international platforms.
Large year-round resort complexes covering 300–500 hectares will be developed in Chortoq (Qorabog‘), Fergana (Chimyon), Boysun (Omonkhona), and Nurobod (Nurbuloq). The state will allocate $150 million for their infrastructure.
“Where infrastructure is strong, entrepreneurs will come by themselves and services will thrive,” the president said.
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