During the
talks, the parties discussed in detail issues of further development of
cooperation between Uzbekistan and Georgia in the field of tourism, increasing
mutual tourist flow, creating joint tourism products and promoting them on the
international market.
Special
attention was paid to the study of best practices in the field of tourism
statistics. In particular, the parties agreed to establish cooperation on the
exchange of experience in the formation of statistics on inbound and domestic
tourism, as well as the methodology for conducting sample surveys of tourists
at airports and border crossings.
In
addition, modern mechanisms for stimulating inbound tourism were considered,
including measures to provide state support to the tourism business through tax
incentives. The Uzbek side expressed interest in a detailed study of Georgia's
successful practice of refunding value added tax (VAT) and applying a zero VAT
rate to tour operators, as well as analyzing its effectiveness in increasing
the tourist flow.
During the
meeting, the sides exchanged views on the issues of expanding cooperation in
the development of mountain, ecotourism and gastronomic tourism. Taking into
account Georgia's successful experience in these areas, the possibilities of
organizing an exchange of experts, as well as attracting Georgian specialists
as consultants to the implementation of promising tourism projects in
Uzbekistan, were discussed.
In
addition, an agreement was reached to organize mutual press tours for media
representatives, bloggers and opinion leaders, as well as regular participation
in major international tourism exhibitions, forums and other prestigious events
held in Uzbekistan and Georgia.
Following
the meeting, the parties confirmed their intention to consistently continue
practical work to increase mutual tourist exchange, actively promote national
tourism products on the international market, implement joint tourism projects,
and develop long-term and mutually beneficial cooperation.
