Uzbekistan to launch paid shooting tourism starting in 2025

Under the initiative, the Ministry of Defense will provide paid shooting services to tourists, allowing them to engage in recreational shooting activities, while the Ministry of Justice will organize visits to government buildings as part of the state administration tourism offering.

This initiative follows the recent enactment of a Cabinet of Ministers' resolution titled "On the Introduction of New Types of Tourism and Additional Measures for the Effective Utilization of the Country's Tourism Potential." The resolution, which came into effect on September 26, 2024, outlines plans to launch these new tourism categories on January 1, 2025, for both local and international visitors. The key areas of the new tourism offerings include:

•  Industrial Tourism: Visitors will have the opportunity to observe the manufacturing processes at various industrial sites.
•  Geological Tourism: This will allow tourists to explore mines and inactive geological sites, observe safe rock blasting operations, and interact with specialists, along with participating in mountain excursions.
•  Scientific Tourism: Aimed at those interested in science and technology, this tourism will include visits to research institutions, laboratories, observatories, and other scientific establishments under the Academy of Sciences.
•  Military Tourism: Tourists will visit military-related sites, participate in memorial events, and gain insight into military history and the daily lives of soldiers. Paid shooting services will also be offered in certain regions.
•  Government Administration Tourism: This unique experience will include visits to government buildings and sites reflecting Uzbekistan's political history and state governance.

Various ministries and agencies are responsible for developing and implementing these tourism services. These include the Ministries of Ecology, Economy and Finance, Investment and Industry, Mining and Geology, Defense, Justice, Higher Education, and the Academy of Sciences. These bodies have been given two months to finalize regulatory documents for the smooth rollout of the new tourism types.

Additionally, the Ministry of Defense has received approval to offer specific services to tourists starting January 1, 2025, including visits to military museums and parks such as the "Victory Park" Memorial Complex, the "Glory" and "Armed Forces" state museums, and "Patriot Parks." These locations will provide tourists with hands-on experiences with military equipment and weapons. Paid shooting services, including skeet shooting and firearm shooting, will be offered at the Ministry’s sports facility in Kibray.