Uzbekistan has launched a nationwide study of sanitary and hygienic conditions in facilities used by both tourists and the wider public, marking another step in the country’s ambition to position itself as a leading tourism destination in Central Asia. The initiative, which began on 8 September, comes under a directive from the Prime Minister and aims to ensure that all facilities frequented by visitors, from public toilets to general education schools, meet modern standards of cleanliness, accessibility and safety.
The move forms part of Uzbekistan’s wider tourism strategy, which aims to welcome 15 million foreign tourists annually by 2030.
A coordinated national effort
To ensure the effectiveness of the study, a Republican working group has been established, bringing together experts from key ministries and agencies. The group will work in close cooperation with regional task forces, which include deputy khokims (regional governors) responsible for construction, utilities, ecology, landscaping and the social sphere.
Umid Shadiev, Chairman of the Tourism Committee, highlighted that while sanitary conditions have improved in recent years thanks to previous inspections, much more needs to be done. “It is necessary to ensure the availability of modern sanitary and hygienic facilities at all places visited by the public and tourists, in general education schools, and to create conditions for people with disabilities and parents with small children,” he said. Shadiev stressed that the priority is not only upgrading facilities but also maintaining them in proper working order.
Creating a barrier-free environment
A central priority of the study is the creation of a barrier-free environment. This means ensuring that facilities are accessible to people with disabilities, elderly travellers, and families with young children. Public toilets, ramps and adapted infrastructure will be reviewed against international standards of accessibility.
Mukhaio Kholmurodovna Khaitova, head of the Republican working group, emphasised that success will depend on effective coordination between ministries, local governments and the private sector. The government also announced that regions and employees who demonstrate strong results will be rewarded through both material and moral incentives.
Building towards the 2030 goal of 15 million tourists
Uzbekistan’s decision to scrutinise hygiene and public infrastructure is directly linked to its tourism ambitions. The government wants to attract 15 million international visitors annually by 2030, turning the country into a competitive, modern destination.
The country’s hosting of the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand this October will shine a global spotlight on Uzbekistan. It will be the first time in the organisation’s history that the conference is held outside Paris. For Uzbekistan, this event is an opportunity to showcase its heritage, hospitality and readiness to welcome the world. Ensuring proper hygiene and accessibility across the republic is therefore not only a matter of national pride but also of international credibility.
- Visa liberalisation: Citizens of 93 countries can now travel visa-free, while 57 more nationalities benefit from a simplified, digitalised application process.
- Golden visa scheme: Since June 2025, foreigners have been able to apply for a five-year residence permit through a golden visa, requiring an investment of 250,000 dollars for the first family member and 150,000 dollars for relatives.
- Air connectivity: Six new private airlines have entered the market, while six major airports are set to be renovated by 2030.
- Rail and road modernisation: Six new high-speed trains will soon begin operating on the Tashkent to Samarkand and Navoi to Bukhara routes, with 600 kilometres of new railways under construction. From 2025, high-speed trains will connect Tashkent with Khiva, extending to Nukus in 2026. Toll motorways on the Tashkent to Samarkand and Tashkent to Andijan routes will halve current travel times.
Hygiene as a cornerstone of competitiveness
While new trains, airports and visa schemes capture headlines, sanitary conditions are just as critical for the tourist experience. Poorly maintained facilities can undermine a destination’s reputation, regardless of its cultural or natural attractions.
By launching a systematic, nationwide audit, Uzbekistan is signalling that it takes these concerns seriously. The initiative reflects an understanding that hygiene and accessibility are fundamental parts of the infrastructure that supports tourism, alongside transport networks and hotels.
The inclusion of schools and other public institutions in the study further underlines that the programme is not only about attracting visitors but also about improving everyday life for Uzbek citizens. In this way, tourism development is being aligned with broader social policy goals.
Uzbekistan at a crossroads
Uzbekistan has made no secret of its ambitions to become a regional tourism hub. The government is pursuing an integrated strategy that combines modern infrastructure, easier entry for foreigners and incentives for long-term investment.
The hygiene study adds another essential layer, focusing on the less visible but equally important details that shape visitor experiences. From the availability of clean toilets to accessible spaces for families and people with disabilities, these are the practical elements that will influence whether tourists choose to return and recommend Uzbekistan to others.
If successful, the programme could set a benchmark for other countries in the region, demonstrating that Uzbekistan is willing to address the everyday issues that matter most to travellers.
