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Group of British tour operators and journalists visited Uzbekistan
The trip was organized by the National Company “Uzbektourism” and National Airlines Company “Uzbekistan Airways” jointly with Embassy. Managers of such British travel agencies as “Tucan Travel”, “Travelsphere”, “Dragoman”, as well as representatives of the British Council office in Tashkent, “Diplomat” magazine and London based publishing company “Russian Media House” took part in the trip.
British group visited the 15th Tashkent International Tourism Fair “Tourism along the Silk Road”, where held several meetings with the representatives of “Uzbektourism” and private tourist companies to discuss opportunities for cooperation. The program also included visits to cities Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara, where members of the group acquainted with the rich historical and cultural heritage of Uzbekistan, world-class sights and unique nature.
According to the opinions of British tour operators, this trip allowed them to reopen Uzbekistan and expand ties with local partners, what will help to increase the tourist flow from the UK to our country in 2010. Several members of the group sent letters of thanks to the Embassy with their impressions from the trip.
Representative of “Tucan Travel” Mr Iain Shiels noted that he “perfectly spent time in such a beautiful country like Uzbekistan, where many treasures of the Silk Road are located. People in Uzbekistan - one of the most friendly in the world, always ready to share the joy and smile. This attitude to guests together with the unique historical sites promotes a positive image of your country to the world and attracts tourists”.
Mr Shiels noted with a particular admiration the unique beauty of the mosques, decorated in bright blue-green colours, which he had never seen during the many trips abroad. He was also amazed by spirit of “Registan” square in Samarkand, the old city, hammams and Tradesmen street in Bukhara, where one can watch how ceramic tableware being made and painted using ancient method. “I would recommend to any person to visit Uzbekistan”.
Representative of “Travelsphere” Ms Claire Slater noted that “the program was prepared professionally and routes were well chosen, because in a short time we were able to visit all the main sights and see the beauty of Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara. She especially indicated the high level of hotel service and hospitality of the organizers, thanks to which “the members of group felt themselves welcomed and honoured guests”. She also remembered the trip from Tashkent to Samarkand in modern high speed train, as well as the beauty and cleanness of Tashkent subway. Ms Slater said that the visit to Tashkent International Tourism Fair was very productive for the group, because it gave an opportunity to establish good ties and exchange ideas on new tourism routes and services.
Ms Slater: - “Before this trip, I knew little about Uzbekistan, but now I will confidently recommend to my clients to spend their holidays in this wonderful country, rich in its cultural and historical sights. Tourists we sent to Uzbekistan during 2009 came back with very good impressions. Therefore, the next tourist season our company intends to extend the tours toUzbekistan”.
Publisher of “Diplomat” magazine Mr Hugo Van Kuffeler, having noted that this was his first visit to Uzbekistan and Central Asia in general, appreciated the visit “wonderful, informative and extremely useful”. Mr Van Kuffeler said that in a short period of stay he was able to see many sights and get a fascinating insight with our country. He expressed admiration of the rich diversity of cultures, the beauty of mosques and other historical sites in Samarkand. Mr Van Kuffeler intends to use his impressions and photos from the trip in preparation of special section on Uzbekistan in the February issue of «Diplomat» magazine in 2010.
Journalist of “Russian Media House” Ms Nadejda Ragozhina said that "thoroughly enjoyed the trip to Uzbekistan. The tour was well organized and held at a high level. I was impressed by beauty of sights we visited in Samarkand and Bukhara, hospitable people, delicious Uzbek cuisine and atmosphere of combination of Asian brilliance and European modernity”. She appraised Uzbek tour operators as “effective and informative”, noting that the British group perceived with great interest their vision of the future perspective of tourism industry. Ms Ragozhina is preparing an article with photos about the trip to Uzbekistan, which will be published in the next issue of London’s “New Style” magazine.
London, 7 November, 2009
Mr Iain Shiels on the “Registan” square in Samarkand
