Joint tourism route to connect historic sites in Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan

Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan have agreed to take steps toward the development of a shared tourism route, according to the press service of the Uzbekistan Tourism Committee.

Last week, Umid Shodiyev, Chairman of the Tourism Committee, held talks in Samarkand with Azada Guseynova, Deputy Head of Azerbaijan’s State Tourism Agency. The main focus of their discussions was cooperation and the advancement of joint tourism initiatives.

As a result of the meeting, Uzbekistan’s National PR Center and the Azerbaijan Tourism Bureau signed a memorandum of understanding. The two parties plan to collaborate on promoting a unified tourism route themed around the Great Silk Road.

As part of the Joint Silk Road Highlights Tour initiative, tours across both countries will be marketed in Central European markets, with a spotlight on major historical attractions including Baku, Shamakhi, Khiva, Bukhara, and Samarkand.

The tourism authorities also plan to organize joint B2B events, roadshows, and participation in international exhibitions. The project is expected to increase tourist flows and raise awareness of the historical heritage of both countries.

At the Central Asia–European Union Summit on April 4, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced plans to develop a “One Tour — Entire Region” concept inspired by the EU’s travel model. He also endorsed the idea of introducing a single Central Asian visa for foreign tourists, an initiative first proposed by Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov in March.