International Forum on Ziyorat Tourism kicks off in Bukhara 

On February 22, an official opening ceremony of the I International Forum on Ziyorat Tourism was held at the Youth Center in Bukhara city.  
 
Upon opening the event, the Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Aziz Abduhakimov delivered the following speech: 
 
“Visa-free regime has been introduced to 45 countries, the number of countries whose citizens can travel to Uzbekistan without a visa has reached 64, and citizens of 76 countries have access to an electronic visa. In 2018, about 22,000 electronic visas for citizens of more than 50 countries have been issued”. 

Aziz Abduhakimov also informed about introduction of additional entry visa categories (“Vatandosh”, “Academic visa”, “Medical visa”, “Student visa”) for some groups of foreigners visiting Uzbekistan. A new type of visa that is directly related to the forum topic – “Pilgrim visa” was emphasized as an introduction to the development of tourism. 

In addition, the Deputy PM noted that the issues of providing convenience for tourists traveling through the countries of the Great Silk Road, as well as introduction of the Silk Visa system, which creates the opportunity to visit several Central Asian countries, are also envisaged. 

At the event, it was noted that Uzbekistan for centuries has been an integral part of the world civilization and one of the centers of Islamic culture. 

It was pointed out that the Center for Islamic Civilization, the International Islamic Academy, the Mir Arab Madrasah, Scientific-Research Centers of Imam Bukhari and Imam Termiziy serve to study and propagate the rich scientific-historical heritage of Uzbekistan. The need to create favorable conditions for pilgrims along with the advocacy work to increase attractiveness of tourism in Uzbekistan were highlighted. 

At the same time, it was noted that the “Halal” standard in public catering establishments and restaurants in Uzbekistan is being introduced. Standards have been developed in accordance with the requirements of tourism services and Islamic hospitality. Establishment of prayer rooms and rooms for ablution at the international airports, railway stations and hotels were noted. 
 
The chairman of the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan, mufti Usmonkhon Alimov emphasized the importance of visits on the health and wellbeing of people. 

Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for Tourism Development Ulugbek Kosimkhodjayev, governor of Bukhara region Uktam Barnoyev, Deputy Chairman of the Religious Affairs Committee of Turkey Osman Tiraschi, Imam of the Delhi Chief Mosque Said Bukhari, First Deputy Chairman of the Russian Muftis Council Rushan Abbasov, Ambassador of the Tourism brand for Uzbekistan Eco Shri Margianti, Chairman of the Committee on Social Solidarity, Family and Disability of the Egyptian House of Representatives Abdulkhadi Al-Kasabi and others delivered speeches.