UZBEKISTAN CONVENTION BUREAU CATALOGUE uzevent.com UZBEKISTAN CONVENTION BUREAU CONTENTS Explore Uzbekistan 4 Introduction 18 Tashkent Hotels 25 Regional Hotels 49 Suppliers 71 Special Venues 89 Cultural Venues 103 Travel Information 111 EXPLORE UZBEKISTAN DESTINATION Uzbekistan is connected with the rest of the world through more than 45 destinations. There are 11 international airports (4 of them have an open sky regime). Uzbekistan also has a wide network of railway connections with all major touristic cities of the country, including the high-speed train "Afrosiyob", which have a speed of up to 250 km/h. 5 www.mfa.uz/en/consular/visa/ LIBERALIZATION OF THE VISA REGIME Currently non-visa regime to Uzbekistan has been introduced to the citizens of 86 countries. In additional, the system of electronic visa registration and issuance is now functional for the citizens of 57 countries. Furthermore, the procedure of temporary registration of the foreign citizens on the republic VISA-FREE ENTRY UP TO 30 DAYS VISA-FREE ENTRY UP TO 7 DAYS, E-VISA UP TO territory was simplified. It has been totally (85 COUNTRIES) 30 DAYS AND VISA-FREE TRANSIT UP TO 5 DAYS (1 COUNTRY – CHINA & HONG KONG) transferred to electronic format through the system BILATERAL VISA-FREE ELECTRONIC TOURIST VISA (E-VISA.GOV.UZ) UP TO 30 E-MEHMON, according to which the registration POLICY UP TO 60 DAYS DAYS (57 COUNTRIES) FROM WHICH 36 COUNTRIES ARE (1 COUNTRY – KYRGYZSTAN) ELIGIBLE FOR VISA-FREE TRANSIT ENTRY UP TO 5 DAYS ability of foreign citizens is provided not only to the BILATERAL VISA-FREE POLICY REGULAR VISA PROCEDURES accommodation facilities, but medical institutions, (10 COUNTRIES) THROUGH EMBASSY/CONSULATE OFFICES OF UZBEKISTAN touristic companies, owners of private apartments and guest houses, as well as foreign citizens, which independently travel across the country using internet or mobile applications. 7 INFRASTRUCTURE Uzbekistan provides a variety of traditional and modern venues for hosting events including expo and business centers in Tashkent and regions. There are international and national hotel brands in the country such as Hilton Tashkent City, Hyatt Regency, Radisson Blu, Wyndham, Hilton, Lotte, Ramada, Miran International, Ichan Qala, International Hotel Tashkent, Sahid Zarafshan and many others which are perfect for conventions, congresses, symposiums, seminars, workshops and a variety of other events. 8 BUDGET TRIP Uzbekistan offers budget hotels, hostels and guesthouses for the guests, as well as low- cost transportation, delicious and inexpensive national food, and many other undiscovered attractions across the country. Uzbekistan is rapidly booming with construction of new hotels, hostels and guest houses. Currently, more than 210 hostels and 880 guest houses opened in the country. 2/3 of the total number of hotels have at least a 3 star rating. The Concept of developing the tourism sector in the Republic of Uzbekistan is planning to increase the number of rooms up to 50 thousand in 2025. 11 G A S T R O N O M Y Uzbek cuisine is a kaleidoscope of tastes, aromas, and ways of cooking. You can talk about Uzbek dishes endlessly, but no comparisons will convey the share of their amazing, truly sunny taste. Uzbek cuisine has been forming for centuries. Uzbek cuisine recipes served as the basis for many cuisines of neighboring countries, becoming the hallmark of the country. The colorful taste of Uzbek dishes is based on the use of local products. Dishes are prepared with seasonal vegetables, spices, and fruits. The harmonious combination of ingredients and the versatility of flavors underlined by spices remain unchanged. Uzbek cuisine expresses a special mood, way of life and great hospitality of the people to each guest. 12 IN SIGHT OF INTERNATIONAL M A S S M E D I A According to data published by the Gallup American Institute, among the countries of the former Soviet Union, the republic ranked first in terms of satisfaction with the existing security in the country. Compared with 2013, when 88% of residents felt safe here, their number increased by 7%. As part of the study, Gallup representatives interviewed residents of more than 150 countries regarding the level of crime in their areas of residence and the reliability of local law enforcement officers. The data obtained formed the basis of the Law and Order Index Worldwide prepared by the organization. In comparison with many other countries, Uzbekistan among the 5 most peaceful and secure countries of the world. 15 CULTURAL HERITAGE Uzbekistan is a country with a great history and rich cultural heritage. The oldest cities within the territory of modern Uzbekistan are Samarkand (742 BC), Bukhara (IV century BC.), Khiva (VI century BC.), Shakhrisabz (VII century BC.), Tashkent, Margilan (II century BC. E.), Karshi and Termez (V century BC). One of the three main caravan routes of the Great Silk Road passed through Uzbekistan and the Fergana Valley. By caravan routes transported precious stones, gold jewelry, carpets, porcelain, weapons, and also herds of horses, highly valued in China. There are about 7.4 thousand sites of ancient architecture and archaeological significance: among which more than 200 are included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List and Samarkand, Bukhara, Shakhrisabz and Khiva are included as a whole cities. Most of the ancient architectural and archeological sites are located in the cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Shakhrisabz, Termez, Kokand and Tashkent. Also among the many cultural sites are 121 museums and 37 theaters. More than 1.9 million artifacts are stored in museums of the republic. 16 To the east and north-east of the country there are ranges of the Tien Shan and Pamir, here – the highest point of the country (4643 m). In the north central part of the territory of Uzbekistan is one of the largest deserts in the world – the Kyzyl Kum. The population of Uzbekistan is more than 34 million people. In terms of population Uzbekistan holds the third place among the CIS countries and 1st among the States of the Central Asia. INTRODUCTION It is interesting to know that: • Uzbekistan is one of the top five global producers of cotton; The Republic of Uzbekistan one of the largest country • Gold reserves of Uzbekistan are ranked fourth in in the region, which has a special geographical and the world after South Africa, the USA and Russia; geopolitical position in Central Asia with abundance of • Natural gas production in Uzbekistan is one of the natural and human resources. top ten producing countries of the world and ranks Uzbekistan consists of 12 provinces, the Autonomous third in the CIS after Russia and Turkmenistan; Republic of Karakalpakstan and Capital city Tashkent. • The oldest cities of Uzbekistan are more than Independence and sovereignty of the Republic of 2750 years old, and the most famous of them – Uzbekistan was proclaimed in August 31, 1991. Samarkand, along with Rome, one of the oldest cities in the world; Uzbekistan covering a territory of 448 978 sq.km. Most of the territory of Uzbekistan is occupied by plains (about • Tashkent – one of the few cities in the world four fifth of its territory). One of the main – plain is where you can see the starry night sky and it’s Turanianlowland. possible because of low gas content. 18 19 AIRPORTS Islam Karimov Main international airport of Uzbekistan and the 3rd busiest airport in Central Asia. Located Tashkent 5 km (3.1 mi) from the center of Tashkent. International Airport Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport (TAS) offers international, domestic and cargo flights. This ICAO Category II airport is the primary hub of Uzbekistan Airways and comprises two terminals: Terminal 2 receives international An international airport located on the northern flights; Terminal 3 is for domestic traffic. The Samarkand outskirts of Samarkand. Located just 6 km (3.7 mi) annual passenger traffic of the airport is more from the center of the city. It is the second airport in International than 3 million passengers. terms of congestion in Uzbekistan. One of the main Air port hubs of Uzbekistan Airways. The airport serves an average of over 500,000 passengers a year. In 2014 Samarkand International Airport won in the nomination "For great contribution to development of production" in annual contest "The Best airport of the CIS countries" of the "Airport" Civil Aviation Association. 20 21 F ROM Bukhara An international airport located on the northeastern outskirts UZBEKISTAN of Bukhara, just 5 km (3 mi) from the center of Bukhara. International TO Airport offers the whole complex of services in accordance Airport with all international standards. Airport supplied with a WORLD modern equipment arrival and departure halls, waiting space, information desk, cafes, shops, medical point, exchange office, booking offices. The design of VIP and CIP Approximate Origin Distance (km) Distance (miles) halls are made with the elements of the national style. duration of flight On the results of activity in 2012 the Bukhara International Airport was declared as the best one among CIS airports, Delhi, India 1,577 979 2 hours which are members of the Association of airports, in "The Best Airport" nomination. Dubai, UAE 2,220 1,379 3.30 hours Istanbul, Turkey 3,364 2,090 4.30 hours Urgench An international airport located on northeastern outskirts of Urgench, just 5 km (3 mi) from the center of Urgench. Moscow, Russia 2,813 1,748 4.20 hours International The airport can serve an average of over 500,000 passenger a Airport year. Airport receives tourists from France, Italy, Russia and other Beijing, China 3,933 2,444 5.20 hours cities in the world. Rome, Italy 4,663 2,897 7 hours In 2015 year "Urgench" International Airport won in two categories.