President Mirziyoyev inspects $50 million tourism hub at Karkidon Reservoir

The initiative stems from a presidential decree issued on April 1, 2025, aimed at transforming the area into a modern tourism hub. Spanning 508 hectares, the complex integrates agro-tourism, eco-tourism, and extreme sports. Significant progress has already been made, including the improvement of road infrastructure and extensive landscaping. To date, 45 chalets, 57 modern guest houses, an agro-tourism facility, a flower park, lavender fields, and an eco-bazaar have been constructed on-site.

During his visit, the president emphasized that such projects are vital for improving the welfare of the local population and bolstering the regional economy. The complex is designed to host more than 100 business entities, which will collectively create approximately 2,000 new jobs for residents. Forecasts suggest that the site will attract 750,000 tourists annually, contributing 3 billion UZS to the budget and generating $5 million in service exports.

While much of the infrastructure is already visible, the full launch of the complex is scheduled for 2027. Future expansion plans include the installation of a two-kilometer cable car, motocross tracks, karting arenas, and golf courses. These additions are intended to establish Karkidon as a flagship center for active tourism in Central Asia.

Beyond the Karkidon project, the president was also briefed on broader regional tourism strategies. Plans are currently in motion to build similar large-scale complexes around other major water bodies, including Lake Karateren in the Takhtakupir district, the Khanabad artificial lake, and the Kuksaray, Sabirsay, and Kattakurgan reservoirs.

The president concluded the visit by instructing officials to ensure the creation of comfortable conditions for both domestic and international visitors while maintaining a sustainable system that serves the long-term interests of the local community.