Uzbekistan is pursuing an ambitious tourism development strategy across its Navoi Region, transforming remote villages and preserving ancient heritage sites into modern tourist destinations that aim to attract both domestic and international visitors. Over the past four years, the region has received 157 billion sums in investment directed toward hospitality infrastructure, with particularly ambitious initiatives underway in the Nurata and Kanimi districts.
Rural communities becoming hospitality hubs
The aul (village) of Yangikazgan, located in Kanimi district, is being transformed into a full-fledged tourist destination. The modernization effort targets the creation of comprehensive tourism infrastructure capable of handling increased visitor flows while maintaining the settlement’s cultural character. Within just three months at the start of 2025, the region established 23 new accommodation facilities, including two hotels, 20 family guest houses, and one yurt camp. Fourteen new tourism companies launched operations during the same period, expanding available travel routes to 84.
The accommodation sector has experienced dramatic expansion. Eight years ago, Navoi’s administrative center operated just six hotels with 370 beds. Today, the region boasts 260 accommodation facilities capable of welcoming 7,400 guests simultaneously, including 54 hotels, 15 recreation zones, 41 hostels, 8 yurt camps, and 142 guest houses. Tourism companies now offer diverse services, with approximately 70 families from remote villages in Yangikazgan and Dongalak participating in the sector, providing services such as traditional national dishes and camel dairy experiences.
Enhancing visitor experience through modern infrastructure
A selfie zone project at the entrance to Nurata district exemplifies efforts to enhance visitor appeal and create memorable tourism experiences. The installation will feature QR codes providing information and services, along with souvenir shops, cafes, and transport services. This approach targets both local and foreign tourists, aiming to boost the district’s attractiveness and generate economic activity in communities along primary travel routes.
Similarly, a glamping facility with 40 yurts, two glamping platforms, two restaurants, plus hunting and transport services is launching this autumn under the “Safari” cluster brand, designed to accommodate 900 tourists simultaneously. The region also plans to establish 50 capsule and modular accommodation units in Kanimi and Nurata districts, with seven additional guest houses planned for the “Chuya” mahalla (village quarter), which will secure “Tourist Village” status once completed.
Preserving heritage while building modern tourism
A particularly significant initiative involves transforming traditional qanats (underground irrigation channels) into tourist attractions. Nurata district is recognized for its ancient qanat systems, including “Maston,” “Zulm,” and “Zulfikor,” which have supplied water to local populations for centuries. Experts estimate that most Nurata aqueducts were constructed between the end of the first millennium BCE and the twelfth century CE.
The transformation of one qanat in the “Nurfakhr” mahalla into a tourist center represents efforts to preserve historical heritage while generating economic returns. The project includes construction of new employment facilities, parking areas, retail and service outlets, observation platforms, and sanitation zones. Additionally, a 10 billion sum wellness complex is planned at a site currently attracting 285,000 visitors annually, where thermal springs containing 21 minerals present opportunities for health tourism development.
Strategic planning and international partnerships
The Republican working group under the leadership of the Committee on Tourism presented development projects emphasizing efficient resource utilization and service quality improvements. The presentation highlighted historical, cultural, and natural attractions, pilgrimage and ecological tourism potential, current infrastructure conditions, and future initiatives. Particular emphasis was placed on expanding tourism routes, broadening service offerings, supporting family guest houses, and ensuring employment for local populations.
International collaboration is playing a role in expanding opportunities. Along the M-37 highway, an ecopark project is being developed jointly with Turkish partners in the agritourism sector, underscoring regional cooperation in developing competitive tourism offerings.
Implications for international investors and business development
For international companies operating in hospitality, construction, interior design, and tourism infrastructure sectors, Uzbekistan’s sustained investment in Navoi Region tourism presents compelling opportunities. The scale of planned accommodation facility construction — from luxury hotels to guest houses and glamping sites — creates demand for construction services, interior furnishings, and hospitality equipment. The emphasis on creating memorable visitor experiences through modern amenities and infrastructure upgrades opens avenues for business partnerships in design, renovation, and facility management. Furthermore, the integration of QR-code technology, souvenir retail development, and food service operations indicates growing demand for comprehensive hospitality solutions. As the government commits significant public investment to foundational infrastructure while actively encouraging private sector participation, international businesses with expertise in tourism development, heritage site preservation, and hospitality management can establish meaningful operations in a market poised for sustained growth.
