During a high-level meeting dedicated to the socio-economic development of the Kashkadarya region, Uzbek leader Shavkat Mirziyoyev outlined ambitious plans to boost the local tourism sector. The authorities claim that the region possesses sufficient potential to attract up to 6 million tourists annually, noting that 2.5 million visitors have already arrived since the beginning of the year, with the remote mountain village of Gelon alone drawing around 500,000 travelers.
A central component of this regional tourism push is the development of the international all-season ski resort «Gelon» in the Shahrisabz district, being carried out with the participation of Russian and Tatarstan investors. With an initial estimated cost of 300 million dollars, the first phase of the project is purportedly scheduled for launch in 2027. This initial stage involves deploying 100 million dollars by January 2027 across a nearly 2,900-hectare recreational zone, featuring a gondola lift system, ski tracks, hotels, and villas.
Furthermore, the administration intends to promote ethno-tourism and outdoor activities in several other mountainous settlements across the region. Plans reportedly include transforming villages such as Taragay in Chirakchi, Bashir in Kitab, and Tatar in Yakkabag into specialized ethno-tourism hubs, while developing rafting and sports tourism in Sayyod and Suvtushar. Officials have been mandated to formulate a comprehensive master plan for these six targeted villages within a month, paving the way for the initiation of 50 million dollars worth of projects by March 1.
In addition to major infrastructure projects, the regional administration is promoting cultural events, including the proposed spring gastronomic festivals «Lola va kabob» in Guzar and «Chiyal yaxna» in Kokdala. To facilitate access to these remote tourism destinations, substantial state funding is being directed toward infrastructural upgrades, including the reconstruction of critical mountain roads and the improvement of local utility networks such as water supply and electricity.
Source: www.gazeta.uz