Observing mine explosions, paid shooting, and visiting government buildings – New tourism initiatives in Uzbekistan

Under the government decree on the introduction of new types of tourism, starting from January 1, 2025, Uzbekistan will launch five new tourism sectors: industrial, geological, scientific, military, and public administration tourism.

Specifically, the Ministry of Justice will offer public administration tourism services, including visits to government buildings and facilities. The Ministry of Defense will provide paid shooting services, while the Ministry of Mining Industry and Geology will organize visits to mines and explosion events involving mountain rocks.

The responsible agencies for these initiatives include the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change; the Tourism Committee; the Ministry of Justice; the Ministry of Mining Industry and Geology; the Ministry of Defense; and others. These authorities are expected to finalize and adopt relevant interdepartmental documents within the next two months.

To monitor the implementation of the government decree, Kun.uz sent inquiries to the ministries and agencies involved.

According to the Tourism Committee, a set of regulations was developed on November 25 that outlines procedures for visiting these sites, including entry and exit protocols, visit organization, and general visitor requirements. These regulations have been recommended to the relevant ministries for approval and adoption as internal guidelines.

Additionally, by decree of the Tourism Committee, several institutions have been designated as official sites for government and scientific tourism. These include the Committee's administrative building, the "Silk Road" International Tourism and Cultural Heritage University, the International Tourism Academy in Samarkand, and the Scientific Research Institute for Tourism Development.

According to the Tourism Committee, the following steps are being taken by other ministries and agencies to implement the government decree:

-The Ministry of Mining Industry and Geology has designated key tourist sites, including the "Navoi Mining and Metallurgy Combine" JSC, "Almalyk MMC" JSC, and the "Kitob National Nature Park" as tourist destinations;

The Academy of Sciences has identified several scientific tourism locations, including the "Abu Rayhan Beruni Institute of Oriental Studies," the "Khorezm Mamun Academy," the "State Museum of the History of Uzbekistan," the "Karakalpak Research Institute of Humanities," the "Archaeology Museum," the "Tashkent Botanical Garden," and the Solar Furnace in Parkent.

The Ministry of Defense has developed facilities for tourists at the "Victory Park" memorial complex, which includes the "Glory" State Museum and the Armed Forces State Museum;

The Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Economy and Finance have compiled a list of about 50 sites for government and industrial tourism, establishing procedures for visitor access. Starting from 2025, tourists will be able to visit these locations and take guided tours. Visitors can apply on weekdays, and additional services such as Wi-Fi, parking, sanitation facilities, ramps, and more will be provided at no charge. Tourism-related materials will also be offered for free.

The Ministry of Mining Industry and Geology informed Kun.uz that procedures for visiting the "Kitob Geological National Nature Park" in Kashkadarya have been established. The park will offer a variety of services, including accommodation, meals, guided tours, and other paid and free amenities. Free services will be available for children under 7, senior citizens, people with disabilities, and other privileged groups.

Additionally, safety and sanitation regulations, as well as visitor procedures and service systems, have been established for the "Muruntau" mine in Navoi region and the "Kalmakyr" mine in Tashkent region.

The Ministry of Defense also informed Kun.uz that, in order to promote military tourism, the Ministry has created all necessary conditions for paid "stand shooting" and shooting with firearms at the "Kibray Sports Complex," part of the Higher Sports Results Development Center. The complex is expected to begin operations as scheduled.

The Ministry of Justice has not responded to Kun.uz's inquiry about the implementation of its tasks under the government decree, despite more than 10 days having passed.