According to the Namangan regional administration, construction has commenced on the large-scale Arashan Resort tourism complex in the Pap district. The project, covering an area of 600 hectares with a total cost of $150 million, is expected to accommodate 2,500 tourists daily and 912,000 annually upon full operation, while creating over 2,000 new jobs.
The complex will feature zones for ecological tourism, infrastructure for extreme and mountain tourism, gastronomic tourism centers, areas for travel and cultural leisure, as well as recreational and wellness facilities. Additionally, plans include the construction of theme parks, ski complexes, ziplines, restaurants and cafes, an open-air cinema, an eco-market, children's and sports playgrounds, and thermal water pools.
The project is being implemented in collaboration with the Japanese company Nippon Global Education and Assessment. This partnership aims to boost the tourism potential of the Namangan region and attract foreign investment, yet concerns persist regarding the long-term economic viability and environmental impact of such developments. Tourism initiatives often face challenges in delivering substantial benefits to local economies, raising questions about the sustainability of this venture.
Source: kun.uz