The key facts

  • The sides considered the possibility of simplifying the visa regime to grow mutual tourist flow
  • Direct and charter flights, tour packages, and cooperation between tour operators were discussed
  • The issue of attracting Saudi investors into tourism infrastructure and public-private partnership was raised

Talks on visas and tourism

Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia discussed the issue of simplifying visa procedures, the Tourism Committee of Uzbekistan reported. The meeting took place between committee chairman Abdulaziz Akkulov and co-chairman of the Uzbek-Saudi Business Council, chairman of the board of ACWA Power Muhammad Abunayyan.

Tourist flow and air service

The sides considered the possibility of simplifying the visa regime to increase mutual tourist flow, as well as promoting Uzbekistan's tourism potential in the Saudi Arabian market and creating special tour packages for local travelers. Separately discussed were increasing the number of regular direct and seasonal charter flights and strengthening cooperation between tour operators of the two countries.

Investments and context

The meeting also raised issues of attracting Saudi investors into projects for developing Uzbekistan's tourism infrastructure, developing master plans for tourism and recreation zones, and developing public-private partnership. The committee recalls that Saudi Arabia earlier introduced a multiple-entry visa for performing umrah valid for one year: it allows entering the country several times, with each stay not exceeding 90 days.