
The Embassy of Uzbekistan in Malaysia took part in the major tourism exhibition “MATTA Fair”, held on March 22-24 in Kuala Lumpur.
The tourism opportunities of Uzbekistan were widely demonstrated to consumers by more than 20 largest travel companies in Malaysia.
Various tourist destinations of Uzbekistan, such as heritage tourism, pilgrimage tourism, winter tourism, gastronomical tourism, and railway tourism along the historical cities of the Silk Road were presented at the exhibition. Additionally, business tourism opportunities in Uzbekistan (MICE) were introduced to Malaysians as well.
Detailed information about the development of modern tourism services and infrastructure in the country, which is being developed to provide more favorable conditions for tourists visiting Uzbekistan was also presented to the exhibition participants.
It was noted that Malaysian citizens can visit Uzbekistan without a visa for up to 30 days, and direct flights to Tashkent from Kuala Lumpur have been established between the two countries. Also, the high-speed train system connecting the main historical cities of Uzbekistan, which creates great convenience for those traveling across Uzbekistan was also highlighted.
As a result of the exhibition, specific agreements were reached with tour operators of foreign countries for 2024.
The Malaysian partners noted that interest in traveling to Uzbekistan is growing in the markets of Malaysia and Southeast Asia year by year. Uzbekistan’s unique architecture, rich history and culture, and delicious Uzbek cuisine were mentioned as the main factors attracting foreign tourists to take a trip to Uzbekistan.
The Malaysian Tour Operators Association (MATTA) was established in 1975 and unites more than 3,000 travel companies. MATTA has offices throughout the country and regularly organizes traveling MATTA Fairs in all states of Malaysia. The exhibition in Kuala Lumpur is the largest and most famous B2C (business to consumer) exhibition in the Asia-Pacific region. The exhibition area is 37 thousand square meters and more than 1,300 travel companies participate in it, and more than 150 thousand guests visit.
Manager for Muslim destinations of the travel company “Apple Vacations” Zulkefli Yusuf said:
- Since 2024, Apple Vacations has been widely promoting the “Beautiful Uzbekistan” tourism program as a new destination.
I believe more Malaysians should know your country, which is the heart of Central Asia. Thanks to our program, tourists will be able to see the diverse culture and hospitality of Uzbekistan. The travel program is very interesting and full of beautiful places.
We will introduce tourists to the historical cities of Uzbekistan, such as Tashkent, Bukhara, Samarkand and Gijduvan, with their architectural monuments and, of course, modern tourist infrastructure.