
On Monday morning, the 12th of January 2026, the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Israel hosted a meeting for Israeli Tour Operators presenting Uzbekistan's Tourism Potential at the Embassy in Ramat Gan.
On behalf of the Ambassador who is currently abroad, the moderator, Mr. Sherzod Shavkatbekov, warmly welcomed everyone present stating that Uzbekistan's rich and diverse cultural heritage, close proximity coupled by attractive, competitive and price effective rates, is a perfect destination for Israeli tourists. The morning's programme included presentations by diplomats, two representatives of Uzbek airline companies, an Uzbek Tourism brand Ambassador and active partners involved in the promotion of Uzbek tourism in Israel.
Mr. Alisher Yormatov, the Embassy of Uzbekistan's Political Counsellor, briefly addressed the crowd saying that the purpose of the tourism promotion was to inform Israeli tour operators of Uzbekistan's tourism potential as it is a tourism Mecca. Having hosted over 10.2 million tourists in 2024 in the spheres of cultural tourism, gastronomic tourism, pilgrimage tourism, ethnic tourism, medical tourism, sports tourism, youth tourism, ecotourism and MICE tourism (meetings, incentives, conferences.and exhibitions).
Mr. Dadamukhamedov Bokhodir, the Deputy Country Manager of Uzbekistan Airways in Israel said that there are currently 3 flights per week and from March 2026 there will be 4 flights per week. Mr. Rumi Mukhamadaliev, Centrum Air Country Manager in Israel briefly addressed the operators, elucidating the airline's attractive options and speaking about air connectivity between Uzbekistan and Israel. Centrum Air owns 13 freighters and 13 passenger aircraft. In 2025, 1 600 000 passengers flew with us, we also provided flights for 60% of the country's cargo. Centrum Air is a low cost airline and currently we fly to 44 destinations worldwide.
A live video recording and presentation was shown by Mr. T. Shamsimatov the Head of the Marketing Department of State Committee for Tourism. He mentioned that Uzbekistan is located in the heart of Central Asia and is at the crossroads of civilization and trade as it was the centre of the Silk Road which connected China, India and Europe. Uzbekistan also hosts 7 UNESCO world heritage sites and 18 elements of Intangible Cultural heritage have been inscribed by UNESCO.Tashkent is the country's capital city both noticeable for its rich cultural heritage combining modernity and traditionalism. Other cities noticeable for its cultural touristic sites are Bukhara, Samarkand and Khiva. Four distinct seasons where different options are available such as Navruz in spring, picnics in summer, golden landscapes in autumn and skiing and snowboarding in winter. The country's enchanting geographic beauty is epitomized by its breathtaking mountains, rich cuisine, nature and cultural landmarks displaying a mosaic of Islamic architecture. The leading resort group, Amirsoy Resorts, is the country's flagship offering accomodation at attractive prices and hosting accomodation at exotic destinations in Beldersay, Chimgan and Zaamin. The silk road's monuments built primarily in Samarkand are beyond belief expressing grandeur and excellence. Khiva, a city home to the pearls of Islamic architecture synthesized with a country simultaneously showcasing modernity.
Mr. Oscar Akhmedov, Manager of the Tourism Service under the Uzbek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, addressed the audience via a live video recording saying that services in Uzbekistan are affordable and efficient and can be enjoyed together with a rich history portraying modernity, tradition, gastronomic cuisine, architecture and the hospitality of local people. In 2025, Uzbekistan became the world's fastest growing tourist destination and was voted as one of the seven most popular tourist destinations. Modern buses, transport systems and good points of departure such as modern airports and stations add to the appeal of visiting the country. There are over 240 partners and 30 leading resorts and international hotel chains and sanatoriums as well various airlines making it a convenient hub for business travel, professional guides, planning and organization of conferences, tours, destination weddings, expositions and symposiums.
The Consul of the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Israel, Mr. Shukhrat Abdullaev, stated that the Tourism Committee of Uzbekistan has decided to appoint Mr. Nissan Mushaev as the Uzbek Tourism Brand Ambassador in Israel. In this capacity, he will work jointly with the incumbent Tourism Ambassador, Mr. Hay Davidov, to promote and further develop Uzbekistan as a tourist destination in Israel.

A certificate designating Mr. Nissan Mushaev as the Uzbek Tourism Brand Ambassador in Israel was presented to him, who responded ebulliently saying that Uzbekistan is an extremely beautiful country, in 2025 it was voted as being one of the 7 most interesting countries. Ancient Jewish communities in Bukhara, Samarkand and Tashkent were established over a thousand years ago. Kosher restaurants in Samarkand and elsewhere are available and many Israeli businesspeople travel and work in Uzbekistan. Jews can safely display their religious symbols without any fear of reprisals as Uzbekistan is a country that fosters coexistence and multiculturalism, making it part of its national fabric due to the many ethnic diversities living there. The country has proceeded to be a modern, open, dynamic country welcoming all tourists.
Dr. Zeev Levin, Director at the Research Centre of Jews in Central Asia at the Ben-Zvi Institute for the Study of Jewish Communities in the East reiterated the ancient presence of Jews living in Uzbekistan for over 1000 years without antisemitism. Muslim pilgrimage is ubiquitous as many devotees visit holy graves of saints.
The Programme ended by Mr. Sherzod Shavkatbekov thanking all participants for their presence and by stating that the Samarkand Campus of the international Tourism Academy under the patronage of UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization) has been established with the purpose of studying and preserving the ancient Spice Route's legacy.
A sumptuous buffet of pilaf with carrots and lamb, delicate Uzbek pastries filled with meat, salads and wine were served on terrace and present was none other than the Arab Council for Foreign Affairs Chairman, Dr. Khalid and Mrs. Reem Khalifa from Haifa, Mr. Shuki Fishler, Sales Manager at Maman Aviation and Ms. Nargiza Kadirova, President of New Uzbekistan Trading and Investments House.
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