UZBEKISTAN - MALAYSIA: NEW HORIZONS FOR COOPERATION IN TOURISM
Uzbekistan and Malaysia may be located in different parts of the world, in Central Asia and Southeast Asia, but we actively cooperate to develop in mutually beneficial ways. Tourism is a key area of our partnership. Despite the significant geographical distance between us, there is enormous potential for expanding ties in the tourism sector, which, in turn, will bring economic benefits and promote cultural exchange. Tourism plays a vital role in both countries' economies, creating jobs, contributing to infrastructure development, and improving connections between our two nations.
An important step in strengthening the tourism links between Uzbekistan and Malaysia has been the introduction of a visa-free regime for citizens of both countries, valid for up to 30 days. This has simplified travel and is a major factor in the increase in tourist flows. In 2023, 4,396 Malaysian tourists visited Uzbekistan, and in 2024, the number more than doubled to 9,464, indicating the growing interest in Uzbekistan as an attractive tourist destination for Malaysians. Another important component in this process was the appointment of Daler Yusuf as Uzbekistan's tourism brand ambassador to Malaysia in January 2019, which further strengthened our ties.
Both countries have been paying great attention to strengthening the legal aspects of our tourism collaboration. In October 2023, during the 25th Session of the UNWTO General Assembly in Samarkand, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Governments of Uzbekistan and Malaysia which laid solid foundations for expanding our cooperation in many areas of tourism.
In 2024, a Malaysian delegation led by the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, participated in the XII Session of the Islamic Conference of Ministers of Tourism in Khiva. This is just one example of how Malaysia and Uzbekistan are supporting each other in the international arena and implementing joint projects in tourism.
The historical and cultural ties between Uzbekistan and Malaysia also positively influence our tourism cooperation. Both countries belong to the Islamic world and take great pride in our shared Islamic cultural heritage. This is an essential driver of pilgrimage tourism, which holds a special place in our hearts as well as our economies.
Uzbekistan's historic cities, such as Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, were ancient centres of Islamic culture and learning. They attract pilgrims from all over the world, in particular from Malaysia. Malaysia has rich experience in organizing such tours, and thus is a priority partner for Uzbekistan.
In recent years, Uzbekistan has made widespread efforts to create Muslim-friendly infrastructure, including new prayer spaces and Halal hotels and restaurants. This has contributed to growing interest of Muslim tourists — and not just Muslim pilgrims — in visiting Uzbekistan. Samarkand and Bukhara, as major spiritual and historical centres, attract both these groups with their culture, history, and hospitality.
Looking back in time, I note that on February 21-23, 2019, a Malaysian delegation participated in the First International Forum on Ziyarah Tourism, held in Bukhara. This shows how long Malaysia and Uzbekistan have been supporting one another in this field. During the forum, the Mufti of the Malaysian state of Perlis, Mohd Asri Bin Zainul Abidin, was appointed as the Ambassador for Ziyarah Tourism of Uzbekistan. We are fortunate to have such a respected envoy.
I want to talk now about areas with substantial potential for future development: this event is about looking forward. Ecological and educational tourism will be particularly important.
Uzbekistan, with its diverse natural landscapes, including deserts, mountains, and oases, is an attractive destination for eco-tourism. Malaysia is known for its tropical forests and unique ecosystems, too. Both countries have enormous potential to attract tourists interested in nature and sustainable tourism. The joint development of this sector through exchanging experience should become a central aspect of bilateral cooperation.
Educational tourism also holds great potential. Uzbekistan actively encourages academic exchange programmes, attracting students from around the world, including from Malaysia. Malaysian educational institutions can partner with Uzbek universities to implement joint educational programmes, which would further strengthen cultural ties and promote academic tourism.
Direct flights between Tashkent and Kuala Lumpur play a vital role in increasing tourist flows. They provide convenience and comfort for travelers. In the future, we are planning to diversify routes and increase the frequency of flights, making trips between Uzbekistan and Malaysia even more accessible. Another promising area is the creation of twin-centre tour packages which include visits to both countries. They will be of particular interest to tourists wanting to combine a variety of cultural and natural attractions in a single trip.
To successfully promote Uzbekistan's tourism products in Malaysia we are actively collaborating with local media and influencers. In recent years, several press-tours have been organized for leading Malaysian television channels and media companies such as 'Sulalatus Salatin' and 'RTM Malaysia', as well as for gastronomic bloggers. These steps help spread first-hand information about Uzbekistan's tourism potential in Malaysia. The documentary that a creative team from RTM TV made about pilgrimage tourism in Bukhara and the holy sites of the Fergana Valley has been especially popular.
During the last couple of years, cultural exchanges between our countries have also intensified. In 2023, a photo exhibition titled 'Uzbekistan — The Center of Islamic Civilization' was organized at the Islamic Arts Museum in Kuala Lumpur, introducing the unique cultural and historical landmarks of Uzbekistan to a wider Malaysian audience. In 2024, we presented Uzbekistan's tourism opportunities in Kuala Lumpur, as well as hosting B2B meetings for tour operators to discuss developing joint tour packages.
We are committed to unlocking the full tourism potential of both Uzbekistan and Malaysia, that can be realized through joint efforts. Both countries possess a rich cultural heritage, unique natural resources, and experience in tourism development. It is important to note that both sides are actively working on expanding transport links, creating joint tourist packages, and promoting their tourism offerings in partner countries. Given the growing number of tourists, infrastructure advancement, and rising cultural ties, we are confident that tourism ties between Uzbekistan and Malaysia will only expand, bringing long-term economic and cultural benefits to both countries. In the coming years, tourism will open up new horizons for both countries and contribute to the strengthening of multifaceted bilateral ties.
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