BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 16. Uzbekistan and
Bahrain are exploring the establishment of direct air connectivity
between Tashkent and Manama as part of efforts to increase mutual
tourist flows and deepen cooperation between the two countries’
tourism industries.


This was reflected in the statement by the Tourism Committee of
Uzbekistan.


The issue was discussed during a meeting between Abdulaziz
Akkulov, chairman of Uzbekistan’s Tourism Committee, and Fatima
Al-Sairafi, Bahrain’s minister of tourism, in the United Arab
Emirates.


The officials discussed prospects for expanding bilateral
tourism cooperation, including measures to increase tourist
exchanges and strengthen direct contacts between tourism companies
and industry representatives.


Particular attention was given to the possibility of
establishing direct flights between Tashkent and Manama. The sides
discussed air connectivity as a potential tool for facilitating
travel between the two countries and supporting growth in mutual
tourist flows.


The officials also agreed to establish a regular exchange of
information on tourism marketing research, statistical data and key
industry trends. The information-sharing mechanism is intended to
help both sides better understand tourism demand and identify
opportunities to attract more visitors from each market.







“The development of direct air connectivity, regular exchange of
tourism data and closer contacts between industry representatives
can create additional opportunities to increase mutual tourist
flows,” Uzbekistan’s Tourism Committee said in a statement
following the meeting.


The sides also agreed to continue organizing reciprocal
familiarization and press tours for tourism industry
representatives and media outlets. Such visits are expected to
provide participants with a closer look at tourism destinations and
products in both countries.


Uzbekistan invited Bahrain to participate in the Tashkent
International Tourism Fair “Tourism on the Silk Road,” scheduled
for Nov. 25–27 in Tashkent.


The Bahraini side was also invited to events related to the
proclamation of 2027 as the International Year of Sustainable and
Resilient Tourism.


The meeting reflects Uzbekistan’s broader efforts to expand
tourism ties with Gulf countries by improving connectivity,
promoting destinations and developing direct cooperation between
tourism businesses and institutions.