The meeting, held with the support of the Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan, brought together representatives of tourism departments from the CAREC member countries, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), international organizations, development partners, and the private sector.

The resumption and intensification of the Working Group’s activities, as well as the implementation of the 2025 Memorandum of Understanding on CAREC Regional Tourism Development, were among the key agenda items.

The participants reviewed prospects for a new ADB technical assistance project focused on sustainable tourism and trade in services. Priorities included digitalizing the tourism sector, developing human resources, improving tourism statistics, introducing sustainable development principles, and modernizing the Visit Silk Road regional portal.

Significant focus was given to advancing cross-border tourism. Delegates discussed establishing joint tourist routes and corridors, developing infrastructure, expanding public-private partnerships, and building a regional tourism investment portfolio. They also shared national priorities, ongoing projects, and promising initiatives that could be expanded through regional cooperation.

A separate negotiation block focused on cooperation with UN Tourism, including collaboration with the Silk Road organization’s thematic office. The parties also discussed opportunities for joint initiatives within the framework of the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism 2027.

Following the meeting, the participants agreed on the Working Group’s next steps, identified key areas for regional cooperation, and outlined promising national and cross-border tourism projects.

The final day consisted of a study visit where participants explored Uzbekistan’s tourism potential. Delegates visited the UN Tourism Academy and various tourist infrastructure sites, gaining insights into the country’s approach to developing tourism products, building infrastructure, and training skilled personnel.

The meeting in Tashkent was another step toward strengthening coordination among the CAREC countries and toward developing a unified approach to sustainable, cross-border tourism. Special importance is attached to expanding tourism ties, attracting investment, and creating new regional routes that can combine the tourism opportunities of Central Asian countries with those of other program participants.