Photo courtesy of the National Union of Tourism Industry
MINSK, 11 December (BelTA) – Minsk hoteliers have studied the best practices of their Tashkent colleagues in serving tourists from India and China, the press service of the National Union of Tourism Industry told BelTA following a business mission to Uzbekistan.
According to the union, in recent years Tashkent has become a regional leader in hospitality and is actively positioning itself as a hub for both leisure and business tourism. Samarkand is not far behind: for the 2022 SCO summit, the Silk Road Samarkand complex was built there, bringing together internationally renowned hotels, convention centers, and venues for high-level events. Uzbekistan is becoming an attractive partner for Belarus not only in tourism but also for the exchange of managerial expertise.
“Uzbekistan is no less a convenient partner for Belarus than Russia in cross-marketing and joint tourism products aimed at third-country markets,” noted Philipp Guly, Chairman of the Board of the National Union of Tourism Industry. “While we have a common cultural and historical legacy with Russia, it’s the opposite with Central Asia where we have the polarity of tourism offerings. For tourists from third countries, this only enhances the region’s appeal: it’s like visiting Mexico and Canada in one trip. Convenient logistics, with flights operated by both Belavia and Uzbekistan Airways, also contribute to this.”
The National Union of Tourism Industry began building contacts with its Uzbek counterparts through an agreement in 2017, which was renewed in August of this year at the Belarus-Uzbekistan Women’s Forum in Vitebsk. In 2024, the union held its own major event, attended by nearly 300 travel agents, and conducted a press conference to consolidate the partnership.
The business trip program included participation in TITF 2025, the largest tourism exhibition in Central Asia, and visits to leading 4‑ and 5‑star hotels. The main goal of the visit was to study modern service standards, approaches to working with the markets of India, China, and Southeast Asia, as well as management practices, energy efficiency, and service technologies.
The Belarusian delegation not only established new contacts but also signed several agreements with Uzbek travel companies on hosting delegations and organizing business visits.
The National Union of Tourism Industry regularly organizes such practice-oriented missions for hotels, restaurants, resorts, travel agencies, and related businesses, enabling participants to exchange experience, learn about best practices, and build trust with foreign partners.
“Such trips help foster a professional community and are especially valuable now, when tourism has become a national project with ambitious targets for GDP growth, and competition with fellow EAEU and CIS countries is intensifying. These are not excursions but a tool for professional development. Management and top executives need to see how processes are organized so they can adapt their solutions to the Belarusian context,” added Philipp Guly.
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