The Central Asian Republic of Uzbekistan successfully hosted its inaugural India roadshow in Mumbai, the financial capital of India. The event drew the participation of prominent Indian travel agencies based in Mumbai. The roadshow aimed to highlight the diverse tourism offerings of Uzbekistan to the Indian travel trade, enhance destination awareness among tour operators, and foster their interest in promoting Uzbekistan as an enticing tourism destination in the Indian outbound travel market.
The event was organised at Mumbai’s landmark Sofitel Hotel and was attended by an exclusive group of 75 top trade buyers and members of the media fraternity. The event kick-started with a warm welcome speech by Ikboljon Soliev, Counsellor – First Secretary of The Republic of Uzbekistan Embassy in India. Following that, an in-depth destination presentation unfolded, showcasing Uzbekistan as an ideal destination for various traveller segments, including FIT, family and group travel, as well as meetings and incentives travel. The presentation also emphasised Uzbekistan’s tourism offerings and products tailored to the preferences of the Indian market.
One of the major highlights of the event was the inspiring interactive session conducted by the First Secretary Soliev with the trade partners who showed overwhelming interest in learning about the destination. While addressing industry questions on Uzbekistan tourism, the First Secretary shared detailed information on the destination, attractions, Visa issuance, accommodation availability, and more. The event was also attended by Sadriddin L Suyarov, Attachee at the Uzbekistan Embassy in India.
While highlighting 30 years of diplomatic relations, since its formation as an independent Republic in 1991, First Secretary Soliev said, ”We have initiated Uzbekistan Tourism Roadshow here in India in the great city of Mumbai because of the fact that we would love to have more and more Indian travellers come to explore Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan and India have centuries of shared history and culture and it is high time that it is reflected in the tourism between the two countries. Before the pandemic, Uzbekistan recorded around 29,000 visitors in 2019. We are now witnessing steady growth and want that number to quadruple in the next three to four years.”
He also pointed out that despite being very distinct in landscape, culture, attractions and experiences, Uzbekistan is a short-haul destination with just a little over two-hour flight that connects the capital of the two countries.
The First Secretary also assured the travel fraternity of all possible cooperation in facilitating travel between the two countries. Furthermore, he said that henceforth Uzbekistan will continue to be present in the Indian market, showcasing the destination, engaging with the travel fraternity, partaking in industry events, and building destination awareness through trade and media familiarisation tours, and such initiatives.
The roadshow concluded amid some roaring participation from the trade fraternity in raffles and lucky draws that saw a good six winners taking home, from souvenirs like Uzbekistan’s famous ceramics and traditional arts to an all-inclusive tour package.
