Impact of coronavirus epidemic on tourism discussed in the Cabinet of Ministers
The government discussed the impact of the coronavirus epidemic on tourism in Uzbekistan. Tour operators have proposed declaring tax holidays for the coming season and increasing the number of domestic flights.
On March 4, in the Cabinet of Ministers, at a meeting of the republican special commission to prevent the penetration and spread of coronavirus in Uzbekistan, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Aziz Abdukhakimov, the impact of the COVID-19 coronavirus epidemic on the tourism sector was discussed. This was reported by the press service of the State Committee for Tourism.
Deputy khokims and entrepreneurs of the tourism sector of Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khorezm regions, as well as representatives of associations of private tourism organizations, hoteliers, cooks and restaurateurs, took part in the event via video conferencing.
The participants discussed the problems associated with losses for the subjects of the tourism sector, the attraction of tourist groups from abroad, as well as the search for additional opportunities in this area.
Tour operators have proposed declaring tax holidays for the upcoming tourist season, which is expected to be unprofitable, as well as abolishing penalties for canceling air and train tickets.
In addition, in connection with the cancellation of flights to certain countries, it was proposed to increase the number of flights to countries where the coronavirus has not been detected, such as Turkey and Kazakhstan, as well as to domestic destinations. At the same time, flights can be opened not only from Tashkent, but also from Samarkand, Bukhara and Urgench. Urgench and Bukhara may be linked by a daily flight, tour operators suggested.
As a result of the meeting, it was decided to develop proposals to reduce the negative impact of the spread of coronavirus on the tourism sector, including to support domestic tourism entities, and submit them to the government.
Source: gazeta.uz