BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 9. Uzbekistan and Air
Arabia discussed launching new direct flights to the country’s
major tourist destinations and increasing flight frequencies from
Tashkent to the United Arab Emirates to attract more international
visitors.
This was reflected in the statement by Uzbekistan’s Tourism
Committee,
The discussions focused on expanding air connectivity, promoting
Uzbekistan’s tourism offerings in foreign markets and using Air
Arabia’s international network to attract travelers from Europe,
the Middle East, Asia and North Africa.
Air Arabia currently serves Tashkent and Namangan in Uzbekistan.
The airline operates 13 flights per week from Tashkent to Sharjah
and Abu Dhabi.
During the meeting, the sides considered proposals to launch
direct flights to Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and other tourist
destinations, as well as increase the frequency of services on the
Tashkent–Sharjah and Tashkent–Abu Dhabi routes.
In addition, the parties discussed promoting Uzbekistan through
Air Arabia’s digital platforms, developing special tourism packages
and conducting joint marketing campaigns. Plans include organizing
familiarization trips for bloggers, social media influencers, tour
operators and media representatives.
Air Arabia representatives expressed readiness to support these
trips, including covering airfare costs for participating
influencers and bloggers, according to the committee.
Moreover, the sides agreed to explore placing promotional
materials about Uzbekistan’s tourist destinations aboard Air Arabia
aircraft and distributing information to passengers in Europe and
other target markets.
Another area of cooperation is the proposed
“Umrah Plus” tourism product,
which combines pilgrimage travel with additional tourism
opportunities in Uzbekistan. Air Arabia expressed readiness to
support the initiative.
“Over the past 10 years, Uzbekistan has undergone significant
changes in tourism, including the development of modern high-class
hotels, an expanded accommodation network and improved tourist
infrastructure,” Air Arabia representatives said, according to the
committee.
The parties also discussed participating in the 31st Tashkent
International Tourism Fair, Tourism on the Silk Road, scheduled for
November. Air Arabia representatives were invited to attend the
fair and participate in an investment forum and a conference on
meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE)
tourism.
The agreements are intended to expand Uzbekistan’s air
connectivity, attract visitors from additional international
markets and strengthen the country’s visibility as a tourism
destination.
