Accessible tourism infrastructure to be developed in Uzbekistan

The President of Uzbekistan signed a resolution “On measures to develop the infrastructure of barrier-free tourism and its stimulation in the Republic of Uzbekistan”.

The document identifies the following as the main directions:

– creation of necessary conditions for the free movement of persons with disabilities at tourist sites, cultural and cultural heritage sites, including museums, theaters and accommodation facilities;

– stimulation of subjects in the tourism sector, in particular tour operators and travel agents, owners of accommodation facilities, and entrepreneurs providing transport services, as well as citizens accompanying persons with disabilities during travel;

– raising awareness of people with disabilities about travel opportunities;

– improving the services provided for persons with disabilities at tourism sites.

The resolution approved the Program of Measures for the development of accessible tourism infrastructure for persons with disabilities and the creation of comfortable conditions for their travel in accordance with the annex.

From 2024:

a) within the framework of funds allocated from the State budget of the Republic of Uzbekistan for the restoration and reconstruction of cultural heritage sites, for the unhindered movement of persons with disabilities at cultural heritage sites, ramps, skirting boards, and elevators are installed without causing damage to these objects, as well as for blind people – models of cultural sites heritage in a reduced size, with information placed on them in Braille;

b) on railway and public transport, as well as in all airports, train stations, and bus stations, conditions are created at the expense of the organizations that own them. Special lifting ramps and comfortable stair handrails are installed for persons with disabilities and persons with limited physical capabilities, and on-board strollers are also provided (special strollers for persons with disabilities).

c) annually, up to 5 percent of the funds allocated from the State budget to promote the country’s tourism potential in foreign tourism markets are allocated to:

– promoting the potential of accessible tourism of the country in foreign media and social networks, as well as organizing info tours for media representatives and journalists;

– preparation of explanatory and handout materials for demonstrating at international and foreign tourism exhibitions and fairs the potential of the country in the direction of accessible tourism;

– organization of the exposition “Accessible Tourism in Uzbekistan” at the Tashkent International Tourism Fair “Tourism on the Silk Road”.

d) until January 1, 2027, the following will be covered by the Tourism Support Fund:

– 50 percent, but not more than 500 thousand UZS, of travel expenses in Uzbekistan for one thousand persons with disabilities of groups I and II in the Republic of Karakalpakstan, regions, and Tashkent city.

– 50 percent of the cost of training courses for audiologists for persons with disabilities who have lost their hearing.

By April 1, 2024, based on the best foreign experience, appropriate standards for further development of accessible tourism will be developed.

UzA