tourism problems in uzbekistan

16 things to know before visiting Uzbekistan

Aug 12, 2023 • 9 min read

Everything you need to plan a trip to Uzbekistan from someone in the know © Andrii Lutsyk / Ascent Xmedia / Getty Images

Uzbekistan is the Central Asian destination that you’ve been dreaming about. Magnificent blue-domed mosques, towering minarets, atmospheric Silk Road cities and ancient bazaars are coupled with the region’s best accommodation, easiest transportation and great value for money. It’s the most visited of the Central Asian republics and with good reason.

A decade ago, Uzbekistan had a reputation for tricky travel. The country was plagued by complex visa rules, corruption and bureaucratic hassles, but all this has changed dramatically in recent years and it’s now a surprisingly easy place to explore.

If you are at all tempted to explore the glories of Uzbekistan’s iconic Silk Road cities, then all the planning tips you need are here. I've been visiting since the mid-1990s as a Lonely Planet writer for the region and have dealt with pretty much every travel challenge you can imagine!

1. Uzbekistan can be uncomfortably hot in summer

Time your trip to coincide with the best weather. Land-locked Uzbekistan has an extreme continental climate, which means cold winters and hot, dry summers. It’s possible to visit Uzbekistan year-round but the most comfortable months weather-wise are from March to May, and September to November.

July and August’s summer heat often bring punishing temperatures of over 40C (104F), though you may have to visit at this time if you are heading onward to the mountains of neighboring Kyrgyzstan or Tajikistan .

2. Most nationalities get a visa-free one-month stay

Getting a visa for Uzbekistan is easy these days. Over 60 nationalities now qualify for visa-free travel for up to a month, including the UK, most EU countries, New Zealand, Australia, South Korea and Israel. Other countries (including the USA and India) are required to apply for an e-visa online , but this is an easy process that only takes a couple of days. Gone are the days of complicated visa invitations and trips to obscure embassies – hurray!

3. Book high-speed train tickets in advance

The most comfortable way to travel the modern Silk Road between Tashkent , Samarkand , Bukhara and the Fergana Valley , is on Uzbekistan’s modern high-speed Afrosiyob train service. It takes just over two hours to travel from Tashkent to Samarkand, and the same again to reach Bukhara from Samarkand. For longer distances, Russian-style sleeper trains are an atmospheric way to travel overnight between Tashkent and the remoter cities of Nukus, Khiva or Termiz.

However, seats do sell out on popular routes, especially for high-speed tourist services, so book tickets a week or more in advance. Try online via the Uzbekistan Railway e-ticket portal , use the Uzrailway phone app, or book through a local travel agency (for a markup).

4. Book B&Bs well ahead of your arrival in the high season

The traditional towns of Samarkand, Khiva and Bukhara all offer an excellent selection of stylish, comfortable, family-run B&Bs, which are easily the most interesting places to stay. The best ones fill up quickly in late spring and summer, so be sure to book a few weeks in advance. Contact owners directly, or see what comes up on Booking.com .

5. Pre-book an airport pickup when flying into Tashkent Airport

Many international flights to Tashkent arrive into Uzbekistan’s sprawling capital in the dead of night. If you don’t fancy negotiating with a scrum of eager taxi drivers, while still bleary-eyed after a seven-hour flight, it might be worth booking an airport pickup through your accommodation.

If you'd prefer to take a taxi, be aware that overcharging by taxi drivers is not uncommon in Uzbekistan – always try to get a rough idea of the correct fare beforehand. The easiest way to arrange a taxi ride in Tashkent is via the ride-sharing app Yandex Go , though you’ll need a local sim card to use it.

6. Travel is easier if you speak a few words of Uzbek or Russian

English is not widely spoken in Uzbekistan outside of tourist hotels, so it helps to learn some words of Uzbek (a Turkic language similar to old Turkish), or Russian, which remains a lingua franca amongst older people right across the former Soviet Union. Street signs are mostly in Uzbek Latin script, though you may also see some Russian-style Cyrillic script; it’s useful to learn both so you can at least read signs for place names and bus destinations.

Knowing numbers in Uzbek or Russian will come in particularly handy when negotiating with shared taxi drivers. Google Translate can help, but only if you have smartphone data – to minimize roaming costs, tourist sim cards valid for a month are available from several local companies, notably Beeline and Ucell.

7. Be ready for the local bureaucracy

Uzbekistan is very tourist-friendly these days, but there are a few bits of lingering bureaucratic red tape that are worth knowing about. When entering the country, you cannot bring in any codeine-based medications (such as painkillers) and you may need to declare how much foreign cash you are carrying. In reality, you are unlikely to be quizzed at customs if you arrive by air into Tashkent, but you might be when entering via land crossings.

You may also find that your hotel or B&B gives you a small paper registration slip when you check in. In the past you had to show these for every night of your trip when leaving the country; these days, the old paper system has been superseded by an online system and slips are rarely checked, but you should still keep these when given them, just in case.

Be sure to carry your passport (or at the very least a photocopy) with you when you go sightseeing in Uzbekistan. Police have the right to inspect your passport on demand, and you’ll likely need to show it at checkpoints on any long-distance trip. Keep a photocopy to hand to avoid having to dig through your money belt in public.

8. Don’t bother with the black market when changing money

Changing money is relatively straightforward in Uzbekistan these days. You’ll get the same rate at banks and ATMs as you do from shady bazaar money changers, so there’s little reason to change money through unofficial channels.

Credit and debit cards (especially Visa) are accepted by most accommodation and upmarket souvenir stalls. ATMs in major cities accept foreign cards, but stock up on Uzbek som (the local currency) if you are headed into the countryside.

Uzbek bills now come in denominations up to 100,000 som , so you won’t have to carry around the brick-sized wads of cash that were the norm just a few years ago. It’s always a good idea to have a stash of small denomination bills in Euros or US dollars for an emergency or a border crossing.

9. Brush up on your chaikhana etiquette

Chai (tea) is Central Asia’s social lubricant, so it helps to know the local tea etiquette. Look like an expert in the local chaikhana (teahouse) by pouring the first two bowls of tea back into the pot before drinking, to help it brew. Choose from Russian-style kara (black) or Asian-style kok (green) chai.

10. Body Language

Uzbeks are big hand-shakers, so be sure to shake the hands of any men you come into contact with, especially elders (known as aksakal in Central Asia). Another particularly graceful gesture used by Uzbeks and Tajiks is to place your hand on your heart when meeting someone. When meeting women, a slight bow is the norm, in place of a handshake.

At the end of a meal, Uzbeks and Tajiks generally place their hands in front of their face in a cupped prayer gesture and run them lightly over their face to give thanks for the meal. Following suit will earn you respect for understanding and following Uzbek customs.

11. Haggle, but don’t push things too far

Haggling over things like the price of taxis and buying produce at markets is common in Uzbekistan, but prices are not vastly overinflated, so only expect a modest discount. Aggressive haggling is not appreciated – keep things light-hearted and friendly. You may also be able to bargain for a discount on accommodation prices outside the high season.

12. Bazaars are your friend if you’re vegetarian

Food in Uzbekistan is quite meat-heavy, focused on the four staples of shashlik (lamb kebabs), plov (pilau rice), shurpa (stew) and laghman (noodles) – all sometimes featuring more fat than visitors may be used to. But there are almost always some vegetarian options, including plenty of Russian-influenced salads, so don’t be afraid to ask for a meat-free meal.

For food on the hoof, Uzbekistan’s bazaars are good places to stock up on dried fruits and nuts, fresh fruit (Uzbek melons and peaches are legendary), spicy Korean salads, jars of mountain honey and freshly cooked non (naan) bread.

13. Uzbekistan is generally safe

Uzbekistan is generally a very safe country for tourists. Despite sharing a border with Afghanistan, there is little religious extremism and crime against foreigners is rare. As in big cities anywhere, watch out for pickpockets on crowded city buses and bazaars in hubs such as Tashkent; tourist police frequent the more popular tourist sights.

14. Women travelers face few problems

Uzbekistan is a Muslim country, but people are very relaxed. There aren’t many things to worry about when it comes to clothing, and women travelers will have few problems traveling solo here. Short skirts, tank tops and yoga pants are best avoided, and you may want to cover your arms and legs when visiting the conservative Fergana Valley . Bring a headscarf to cover your hair when entering active mosques.

15. Health Issues

The most common complaints amongst visitors are heat exhaustion in summer and the occasional dodgy tummy after eating too much oily plov or shashlik. Wash your hands, avoid the tap water, and wash all fruit and salads before eating and you should be fine.

16. Get more from the sights

We have a couple of bonus tips. Be sure to return to the exteriors of the main architectural sights in Samarkand at night, as most are spectacularly lit up. Also, when planning your itinerary, avoid visiting Tashkent on a Monday, when most of the museums are closed.

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Tourism Development in Uzbekistan — Challenges and Opportunities

TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN UZBEKISTAN — CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

SPECIAL POLICY BRIEF BY CASPIAN POLICY CENTER ABOUT US

The Caspian Policy Center (CPC) is an independent, nonprofit research think tank based in Washington D.C. Economic, political, energy, and security issues of the Caspian region constitute the central research focus of the Center.

CPC aims at becoming a primary research and debate platform in the Caspian region with relevant publications, events, projects, and media productions to nurture a comprehensive understanding of the intertwined affairs of the Caspian region.

With an inclusive, scholarly, and innova- tive approach, the Caspian Policy Center presents a platform where diverse voices from academia, business, and policy world from both the region and the nation’s cap- ital interact to produce distinct ideas and insights to the outstanding issues of the Caspian region. SPECIAL POLICY BRIEF 2

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Na Sha Research Intern, Caspian Energy and Economy Program Caspian Policy Center Na Sha is an MA candidate in the Eurasian, Russian and East European Stud- ies program at Georgetown’s Walsh School of Foreign Service. She graduated with a BA from Fudan University, China , where she concentrated in Russian Language and Literature and Foreign Affairs and Public Affairs. She has also studied abroad in Moscow City University and Washington University in St. Louis. Na was the intern at China Shanghai International Arts Festival, respon- sible for the Silk Road Forum. Her research interests include the energy indus- try in the CIS, China’s Belt and Road Initiative, and geopolitical risks of foreign investments in Russia and Central Asia .

Ambassador (Ret.) Robert Cekuta Caspian Energy and Economy Program Chair, Caspian Policy Center Ambassador to the Republic of Azerbaijan (2015 – 2018), Robert Cekuta has long and extensive experience as a top level U.S. diplomat. Deeply engaged in advancing high-profile international energy projects, trade policy initiatives and agreements, commercial sales, and other complex international security matters, Amb. Cekuta’s positions in the State Department included Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Resources as well as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy, Sanctions, and Commodities.

In addition, he was Deputy Chief of Mission in Albania and held positions in Vienna, Baghdad , Kabul , Johannesburg, and Sana’a, Yemen .

He set up the Economic Policy Analysis and Public Diplomacy Office in the State Department’s Bureau for Economic and Business Affairs, and served on the boards of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) and the In- ternational Energy Agency (IEA), where he also chaired the IEA Board’s Stand- ing Group on Long-term Cooperation charged with anticipating global energy developments. SPECIAL POLICY BRIEF 3

Uzbekistan has great potential for an expanded tourism industry. As one of the focus areas for reform and economic expansion, tourism in the country has increase fivefold in over the last three years. While about 1 million tourists visited Uzbekistan in 2016, the figure rose to 2.7 million in 2017, and more than 5.3 million in 2018. The number of foreign tourists is expected to rise to 7 million by 2025, and the annual foreign currency earnings from foreign visitors will reach as much as $2 billion.i However, Uzbekistan’s tourism sector still faces challenges. These include poor transportation and payment systems, the shortage of appropriate hotels, medical services, lan- guage assistance, and information for tourists. Uzbekistan can enhance its tourism potential by strengthening its cooperation with other countries and international organizations. Additionally, Uzbekistan should explore its cultural and natural attractions, and invest in advertising to raise awareness about these sites. To properly utilize its tourism resources, Uzbekistan also needs to improve infrastructure construction, as well as foster entrepreneurship and other private-sector engagement to realize the country’s tourism potential.

The Background of Tourism in Uzbekistan

With its great historical, archeological, architectural, and natural treasures, Uzbekistan has ex- ceptional potential for tourism. The country’s diverse ecology, ranging from deserts to glaciers, mountains to steppes, gives the country great eco-tourism potential. The eco-tourism opportuni- ties in Uzbekistan are plentiful and distinct. These include its eight state reserves (201.7 thousand hectares), three national parks (598.7 thousand hectares), biosphere reserve (68.7 thousand hect- ares), natural wildlife breeding center (158.9 thousand hectares), and ten natural monuments (3.7 thousand hectares). ii

Located on the ancient Silk Road , Uzbekistan has more than 4,000 historical and architectural sites,iii a carefully saved and precious spiritual heritage, and over 7,000 historical monuments. iv These include famous ancient cities on the UNESCO World Heritage list, such as Samarkand , Bukhara , Khiva , and Shakhrisabz. Moreover, Uzbekistan is a country with strong Islamic roots. There are more than 160 historically important Muslim sites located in the country, and dozens of historical sites related to Sufism . Among these are the Mausoleum of Sheikh Zaynudin Bobo, Sheihantaur, the Mausoleum of Zangiata in Tashkent , the Bakhauddin Ensemble in Bukhara, the Bayan-Quli Khan Mausoleum, the Saif ed-Din Bokharzi Mausoleum, and many others.v In addition, Uzbek cuisine and wine can attract gastronomic-related tourism. SPECIAL POLICY BRIEF 4

Uzbekistan put considerable focus on developing tourism since gaining independence in 1991. An important initial step was the establishment of the national company “Uzbektourism” by Presidential Decree in 1992. Uzbektourism was responsible for developing a national model for tourism development; including coordinating tourist organizations, training, encouraging invest- ment in the creation of a material and technical base, and sectoral infrastructure.vi Uzbekistan joined the United Nations World Tourism Organization in 1993. Supplementing this, a regulatory framework for tourism was adopted on August 20, 1999, based on the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan.vii Uzbekistan Airways was also founded on January 28, 1992 by the President. Today Uzbekistan Airways is the second largest air company in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) after Russia’s Aeroflot .viii

Tourism Another Sector Targeted in Uzbekistan’s Reforms

Tourism is one of the sectors Uzbekistan has sought to reform and revitalize since 2016. Its reform process aims to create jobs and new business opportunities; further the diversification and accelerated development of regions; increase incomes and living standards and quality of life, boost foreign-exchange earnings; and improve Uzbekistan’s overall image and investment. ix Uzbekistan held its first International Investment Forum on November 19-21, 2018 to expand international engagement in the sector and disseminate information about the country’s tour- ism potential.

Visa Policy Uzbekistan’s complicated visa application process was an obstacle to its efforts to develop tourism. To deal with the problem, Uzbekistan introduced on July 15, 2018, electronic visas for citizens from 77 countries, including the United States . A single or multiple entry visa is valid for 30 days. The cost of obtaining a single-entry electronic visa is $35 (a multiple-entry one is $50), and travelers must apply for the e-Visa at least three days before their trip. A visa-free regime exists for citizens from 65 countries visiting Uzbekistan for 30 days or less. Additionally, a bilateral visa-free regime has been established with Azerbaijan, Armenia , Belarus , Georgia , Kazakhstan , Kyrgyzstan (up to 60 days), Moldova , Russia, Tajikistan (up to 30 days), and Ukraine . Uzbekistan and Japan issue visas without consular fees on a mutual basis.x

In January, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan planned to launch a unified service project called the “Silk Road Visa,” which will enable foreigners with a valid visa from either country to travel in both countries.xi The project is still under discussion, but gained support from representatives of the tourism departments of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan during the first Tourism Fair of the CIS countries between July 9-10.xii The ultimate goal of the “Silk Road Visa” is to create an “Asian Schengen”ith all Central Asian countries in the system. The complicated border divisions of Central Asian countries and their enclaves make it difficult for tourists to travel across the border multiple times with one coun- try’s visa only. Such complications and the lack of connectivity within the region discourage tourists and reduce their number. Therefore, the “Silk Road Visa” program should attract more travelers to the region.

Transportation Uzbekistan is far from being well connected internationally or internally, making it difficult for tourists to travel to or within the country. Recognizing that most foreign tourists prefer taking airplanes, a 2018 presidential decree was published encouraging measures for “radical im- provement of the civil aviation of the Republic of Uzbekistan.” The government reorganized the state-run Uzbekistan Airways into two joint-stock companies — the airline Uzbekistan Airways SPECIAL POLICY BRIEF 5 and the airport operator Uzbekistan Airports. The maintenance, repair, and overhaul service provider Uzbekistan Airways Technics and 11 of the country’s airports, are also being individu- ally reformed into separate limited liability companies in order to clarify responsibilities and enhance efficiency.xiii Additionally, daily flight times were increased from 8.1 hours to 10.9 hours per aircraft due to the increase of flights and routes. Uzbekistan Airway has now opened air routes to 39 countries and 92 airports.

Uzbekistan, still relies on railway transport both domestically and internationally. The presidential decree of March 6, 2015 called for further creation of railway assets, including construction of a new railway line for Navoi-Kanimekh-Misken.xiv In addition, Uzbek Railways is seeking cooper- ative opportunities to improve and optimize the Uzbek railway operator. The Asian Development Bank has provided two loans to rehabilitate and modernize railway infrastructure, and another to electrify the railways between Marakand and Karshi in south-eastern Uzbekistan.xv Experts and consultants from Deutsche Bahn, the largest railway operator and infrastructure owner in Europe , have agreed to help Uzbekistan Railways draft its development strategy.xvi

Besides railways, tourist buses and vans are well needed to improve the transportation network. The government has introduced 133 tourist buses and vans and more are needed. According to the “Concept of Development of Tourism Industry — 2025,” published during the 2018 Internation- al Tourism Forum in Uzbekistan, the Uzbek government will expand its intercity bus service for the following routes: Tashkent-Samarkand-Bukhara-Khiva- Nukus ,Tashkent-Gulistan-Tasjkent-Samar- kand-Karshi- Termez , and Kokand - Fergana - Andijan - Namangan .xvii

Accommodation The number of accommodation facilities, including hotels and guesthouses, increased to 914 in 2018 from 142 in 2017, and the number of rooms increased from 1,700 in 2017 to more than 20,000 in 2018. More importantly, Uzbek President Shavkat Miziyoyev issued a decree on Janu- ary 5, regarding “additional measures for the accelerated tourism development in the Republic of Uzbekistan, and aimed at stimulating further development of entrepreneurial activities in the sphere of tourism infrastructure development, including hotels and sanitary facilities.” The decree covers a construction costs compensation program, royalty fee financing, the partial exemption of hotel land purchase and customs clearance fees, and many other incentives.xviii It also now le- gally allows unmarried couples to share a hotel room, something that had been previously prohi- SPECIAL POLICY BRIEF 6

ited allows unmarried couples to share a hotel room, something that had been previously pro- hibited and therefore a problem for travelers when booking rooms at Booking or Airbnb.xix

As a result of these changes, hotel brands are looking to enter Uzbekistan’s market, including secondary cities. The German RIMC Hotels & Resorts Group plans to invest over $4 billion in the tourism industry of Uzbekistan, including to build hotels in Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. There will also be direct investments in the construction of modern shopping, busi- ness, and cultural centers, as well as the modernization of road infrastructure and airports.xx In addition to the Hyatt Regency Tashkent, Radisson Blu and Hilton are expected to open hotels in the capital by 2025.

Cooperation with Foreign Partners Cooperation with foreign governments, multilateral organizations, and the foreign private sector plays an important role as Uzbekistan reinitiates efforts to open itself up to international tourism.

In 2018, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development launched the Integrated Cultural Heritage Framework in Uzbekistan — Khiva/Khorezm Region (the “Framework”) to fund sovereign, sub-sovereign, and private-sector projects across sectors to support regional devel- opment in a holistic manner while using cultural heritage resources as a driver. xxi With the help of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), President Mirziyoev signed the Resolution on the Establishment of “Silk Road” International University of Tourism on June 28, 2018. This resolution aims to organize a system to train professional personnel and carry out research and creative work in the field of international tourism. A secondary purpose is to further the devel- opment of historical and cultural-humanitarian ties of member states of the SCO.xxii

Deputy Prime Minister Aziz Abdukhakimov has noted the great importance Uzbekistan places on China as a tourism source, , and Uzbekistan expects the number of Chinese tourists to soar. To this end, Uzbekistan is inviting travel agencies to become familiar with the country and its attrac- tions. These expectations are another reason why Uzbekistan takes an active part in China’s Belt and Road Initiative.xxiii Additionally, the United States Forest Service (USFS), a part of the U.S. SPECIAL POLICY BRIEF 7

Department of Agriculture, has worked in Uzbekistan since 2015 to help promote better natu- ral-resource management. The USFS has provided extensive technical support for the develop- ment of nature-based tourism by constructing trails and conducting recreation training.xxiv

To attract more investment to the sector, the first International Investment Forum in the Tourism Sphere took place in November 2018. It attracted more than 300 delegates, experts, and busi- ness leaders from 48 countries and regions, with discussions focusing on ways to expand inter- national collaboration, investments, and methods of promoting tourism projects.xxv The involve- ment of international companies like Booking, Airbnb, and Trip Advisor have strongly improved the quality and convenience of traveling in Uzbekistan. Such involvement has also created more job opportunities. Airbnb also enrolled Uzbekistan into its 2019 trending destinations, which will attract more tourists.

Further Steps Are Needed Although Uzbekistan has made substantial efforts and launched numerous reforms to expand and improve its tourism industry as part of its program of economic growth, further actions are needed. The Uzbek government has addressed shortcomings inconveniences still connected with border procedures, transportation, and guest accommodations. Still, some support facilities and services require action by the government or private sector, especially given the role they play in attracting tourists or encouraging them to become repeat visitors.

The Uzbekistan International Visitor Economy Survey 2014 by the World Tourism Organization, showed respondents frequently noted inconveniences. These included problems with the pay- ments system (especially lack of access to cash via ATM), Internet problems (little access to Wi-Fi and slow speed), limited English translation of signage and tourist information at tourist attrac- tions, and electricity outages.xxvi Furthermore, as noted in an interview with a local tour guide conducted by Silk Road New Observation News Agency, concerns about the wholesomeness of food products, the availability and quality of medical services, and the lack of clean, modern public restrooms are frequently cited.xxvii Because of the often poor medical services in outlying areas, tourists who fall ill in these locales need to be moved swiftly to Tashkent’s international hospital. At the same time, the practice whereby a tour group will wait for the patient to recover and then depart the country all together can produce large costs and additional concerns for fellow tourists and their travel agency as they wait for the patient’s treatment to end.

Looking Ahead

Building a bigger, more developed, more internationally competitive tourism market can help Uzbekistan’s economy grow, just as tourism has been an engine of growth in western European and other countries. It can also have domestic social, cultural, and education benefits in addi- tion to boosting a country’s international reputation and identity. Uzbekistan has already made its national strategy, “Concept of the Development of the Tourism Industry — 2025,” a guide and framework. The government has approved its Action Plan for 2019 for implementing the Con- cept. The Action Plan contains 36 points, including improving the regulatory framework, further developing the tourism infrastructure, developing transportation networks, establishing a regular intercity bus service, and organizing protected zones. The infrastructure construction will lay a solid foundation for the tourism industry and thus provide better service for tourists from all over the world. xxviii SPECIAL POLICY BRIEF 8

However, to boost its profits from tourism, Uzbekistan should fully support and utilize the private sector. The travel and tourism industry consists of a wide variety of commercial and noncommer- cial organizations that work together to supply products and services to tourists.

Therefore, the Uzbek government should provide more space for the private sector, especially foreign partners who have more experience and capital. At the same time, foreign private sector actors should look at the opportunities they have — from facilities such as hotels, shopping cen- ters, and restaurants, to services such as travel agencies, taxis, and online services for ride-shar- ing or hailing rides, and obtaining lodging reservations. Additionally, beautiful and varied Uzbek handicrafts and local agricultural and food products are very popular among foreign tourists. The private sector can, in addition to establishing and providing such goods and services, can also help provide a standardized system of marketing and sales channels to boost profits and for- eign-currency receipts. A further benefit to a growing role for the private sector in Uzbekistan’s tourism industry is to help empower women and promote gender equality in Uzbek society.

Efficient and effective advertising and informational campaigns are also important for attracting tourists. The government can open accounts on social-media platforms or invite world-famous tourist programs/personalities to work in Uzbekistan and introduce the country to foreign-media consumers. Recent years have seen the exponential rise of Chinese travelers around the world, who spent $277.3 billion in 2018.xxix To attract Chinese tourists in particular, Uzbekistan should pay attention to their local social media, including Weibo and WeChat, to place promotional ma- terial or advertisements on their biggest online travel service, Ctrip. SPECIAL POLICY BRIEF 9

Endnotes i i “Uzbekistan aims at a breakthrough in tourism development in 2019.” Travel Wire News. https://travelwirenews. com/uzbekistan-aims-at-a-breakthrough-in-tourism-development-in-2019-1266618/ (retrieved July 15,2019) ii Obidjon Khamidov. “New Stage of Tourism Development in Uzbekistan: Actual Problems and Perspectives. ” World Science News. http://www.worldscientificnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/WSN-863-2017-134-149.pdf (retrieved July 17, 2019) iii Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. http://www. uzbekembassy.org/e/tourism_in_uzbekistan/ iv “Uzbekistan sees fivefold increase in tourism industry.” AzerNews. https://menafn.com/1098270663/Uzbeki- stan-sees-fivefold-increase-in-tourism-industry (retrieved July 18, 2019) v Silk Road Destinations. About Uzbekistan. https://web.archive.org/web/20150402090252/http://en.silkroaddesti- nations.com/about-uzbekistan/ (retrieved July 17, 2019) vi Musaev Husanboy Hasanovich. “Tourism in Uzbekistan:opportunities and new challenges.” https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/tourism-in-uzbekistan-opportunities-and-new-challenges vii Law of The Republic Uzbekistan, About Tourism. August 10, 1999 No. 830-I. http://cis-legislation.com/document. fwx?rgn=840 (retrieved July 17, 2019) vii Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. http://www.uzbekem- bassy.org/e/tourism_in_uzbekistan/ ix “Uzbekistan sees fivefold increase in tourism industry.” AzerNews. https://menafn.com/1098270663/Uzbeki- stan-sees-fivefold-increase-in-tourism-industry (retrieved July 18, 2019) x Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The Reublic of Uzbekistan https://mfa.uz/en/consular/visa/ (retrieved July 18,2019) xi Zhou Hanbo. “Silk Road Visa” to make travel easier in Central Asia.” People’s Daily. http://en.people.cn/ n3/2019/0122/c205040-9540208.html (retrieved July 18, 2019) xii https://uz.sputniknews.ru/tourism/20190709/11967128/proekty-vizy-Shelkovyy-put-i-vizy-SNG.html (retrieved July 28, 2019) xiii “Record three million passegers opted for Uzbekistan Airways last year.” Russian Aviation Insider. http://www. rusaviainsider.com/record-three-million-passengers-opted-uzbekistan-airways-last-year/ (retrieved July 19, 2019) xiv Sector Assessment (Summary): Railway Transport. Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperative Corridor. https:// www.adb.org/sites/default/files/linked-documents/48025-003-ssa.pdf (retrieved July 19, 2019 xv Sector Assessment (Summary): Railway Transport. Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperative Corridor. https:// www.adb.org/sites/default/files/linked-documents/48025-003-ssa.pdf (retrieved July 19, 2019) xvi Deutshe Bahn to help reform Uzbek rail transport. The Tashkent Times. https://tashkenttimes.uz/economy/3380- deutsche-bahn-to-help-reform-uzbek-rail-transport (retrieved July 19, 2019) xvii International Investment Forum in the sphere of tourism http://investforum.uzbektourism.uz/en/ (retrieved July 19, 2019) xviii Kasta Law Firm. “Uzbekistan: Government Incentives For Tourism Sector Investment.” http://www.mondaq. com/x/772038/Hotels+Hospitality/Government+incentives+for+tourism+sector+investment (retrieved July 26, 2019) xix Janny Zhang, “Uzbekistan Reforms Hotel Rules in Effort to Boost Tourism”. The Caravel. https://www.thecaravelgu. com/blog/2019/1/30/uzbekistan-reforms-hotel-rules-in-effort-to-boost-tourism (retrieved July 19, 2019) xx “German RIMC Hotels & Resorts Group intends to invest over $4 billion to Uzbek tourism industry.” Strategeast. https://www.strategeast.org/german-rimc-hotels-resorts-group-intends-to-invest-over-4-billion-to-uzbek-tourism-in- dustry/ (retrieved July 26, 2019) xxi “Uzbekistan: Project Coordination & Capacity Building of the State Committee for Tourism Development in Khiva and Khoreznm Region—International Advisor.” EBRD https://www.ebrd.com/cs/Satellite?c=Con- tent&cid=1395280432997&d=Mobile&pagename=EBRD%2FContent%2FContentLayout (retrieved July 19, 2019) xxii Silk Road International Tourism University to be established in Samarkand.” Embassy of Uzbekistan in New Delhi . http://www.uzbekembassy.in/silk-road-international-tourism-university-to-be-established-in-samarkand/ (retrieved July 26, 2019) xxiii Wang Haoren. “Uzbekistan tourism industry looks to tap into China as ‘key player.” China Daily. http://www.china- daily.com.cn/a/201811/28/WS5bfdf514a310eff30328b7c6_1.html (retrieved July 19, 2019) xxiv “Forest Service specialists conduct trails and recreation training in Uzbekistan.” U.S. Forest Service. https://www. fs.fed.us/inside-fs/forest-service-specialists-conduct-trails-and-recreation-training-uzbekistan (retrieved July 26, 2019) SPECIAL POLICY BRIEF 10

xxv Tourism International Forum. Advantour https://www.advantour.com/uzbekistan/tashkent/exhibitions/tourism-in- vestforum.htm xxvi Uzbekistan Tourism Insight. World Tourism Organization http://cf.cdn.unwto.org/sites/all/files/pdf/150910_uzbeki- stan_visitor_economy_survey_jc_final.pdf (retrieved July 19, 2019) xxvii (Senior tour guides interpret Uzbekistan’s tourism status) http://www.siluxgc.com/UZ/20180912/15177.html xxviii Tourism International Forum. Advantour https://www.advantour.com/uzbekistan/tashkent/exhibitions/tourism-in- vestforum.htm (retrieved July 19, 2019) xxix Oliver Smith. “The unstoppable rise of the Chinese traveller – where are they going and what does it mean for overtour- ism?” The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/comment/rise-of-the-chinese-tourist/ (retrieved July 19, 2019) 1015 15th Street , NW, Suite 380 Washington, DC 20005 202.864.69.58 [email protected] CASPIANPOLICY.ORG

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special policy brief: tourism development in uzbekistan — challenges and opportunities

SPECIAL POLICY BRIEF: Tourism Development in Uzbekistan — Challenges and Opportunities

Author: Ambassador (Ret.) Robert F. Cekuta , Na Sha

Oct 9, 2019

Uzbekistan has great potential for the expanded tourism industry. As one of the focus areas for reform and economic expansion, tourism in the country has increased fivefold over the last three years. While about 1 million tourists visited Uzbekistan in 2016, the figure rose to 2.7 million in 2017, and more than 5.3 million in 2018. The number of foreign tourists is expected to rise to 7 million by 2025, and the annual foreign currency earnings from foreign visitors will reach as much as $2 billion.

However, Uzbekistan’s tourism sector still faces challenges. These include poor transportation and payment systems, the shortage of appropriate hotels, medical services, language assistance, and information for tourists. Uzbekistan can enhance its tourism potential by strengthening its cooperation with other countries and international organizations. Additionally, Uzbekistan should explore its cultural and natural attractions, and invest in advertising to raise awareness about these sites. To properly utilize its tourism resources, Uzbekistan also needs to improve infrastructure construction, as well as foster entrepreneurship and other private-sector engagement to realize the country’s tourism potential.

With its great historical, archeological, architectural, and natural treasures, Uzbekistan has exceptional potential for tourism. The country’s diverse ecology, ranging from deserts to glaciers, mountains to steppes, gives the country great eco-tourism potential. The eco-tourism opportunities in Uzbekistan are plentiful and distinct. These include its eight state reserves (201.7 thousand hectares), three national parks (598.7 thousand hectares), biosphere reserve (68.7 thousand hectares), natural wildlife breeding center (158.9 thousand hectares), and ten natural monuments (3.7 thousand hectares).

Located on the ancient Silk Road, Uzbekistan has more than 4,000 historical and architectural sites, a carefully saved and precious spiritual heritage, and over 7,000 historical monuments. These include famous ancient cities on the UNESCO World Heritage list, such as Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, and Shakhrisabz. Moreover, Uzbekistan is a country with strong Islamic roots. There are more than 160 historically important Muslim sites located in the country and dozens of historical sites related to Sufism. Among these are the Mausoleum of Sheikh Zaynudin Bobo, Sheihantaur, the Mausoleum of Zangiata in Tashkent, the Bakhauddin Ensemble in Bukhara, the Bayan-Quli Khan Mausoleum, the Saif ed-Din Bokharzi Mausoleum, and many others. In addition, Uzbek cuisine and wine can attract gastronomic-related tourism.

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Located in the heart of Central Asia, Uzbekistan — with its rich cultural and historical heritage, friendly people, delicious cuisine, and beautiful nature — is ready to expand its travel and tourism industry. The government views the tourism sector as having high growth potential. Uzbekistan was closed to foreigners for many years, and the government has initiated reforms to open access to its rich cultural and historical heritage to facilitate tourism development. The 25th session of the General Assembly of the UN World Tourism Organization will be held in Samarkand on October 16-20, 2023. The International Touristic Center “Great Silk Road,” which consists of eight hotels, a conference center, the “Eternal City” complex, an amphitheater, and other facilities has the capacity to serve up to 2 million tourists a year, opened in Samarkand in August 2023. The tourism sector was hit hard in 2020-2021 by the coronavirus pandemic, and hospitality service providers and other sector participants received state support in different forms. The number of foreign tourists visiting Uzbekistan almost tripled from 1.88 million in 2021to 5.2 million in 2022 but has not yet returned to 2019’s pre-pandemic level of 6.75 million. Uzbekistan’s exports of tourism services reached $1.6 billion in 2022 and its targets for 2024 are 7 million foreign tourists and $2.5 billion in tourism exports. As of August 2023, Uzbekistan had established a visa-free regime for the citizens of 90 countries and e-visas for the citizens of 56 countries, including the United States. In February 2021, President Mirziyoyev allocated $100 million for tourism infrastructure development. The government subsidized the construction of three- and four-star hotels with at least 50 rooms to increase the total number of hotel rooms from 20,200 (2018) to 64,000 (2025). A presidential decree signed on July 27, 2023, extended until the end of 2026 subsidies for the construction of three-, four- and five-star hotels and royalties for well-known hotel brand franchises. Also, it lists investment projects worth $630.1 million for the sector’s development.

The government is also promoting pilgrimage tourism. Uzbekistan ranked 13th out of 137 countries in the Global Muslim Travel Index 2023. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation declared Khiva the Tourism Capital of the Islamic World in 2024. With more than 1,200 shrines, the country can potentially attract 1 million pilgrims a year. Officials are working to increase flight connections to Uzbekistan from Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Middle East, train qualified guides, and improve conditions and roads to pilgrimage sites.

Uzbekistan is modernizing and expanding its airports to serve more travelers. State-owned enterprise Uzbekistan Airports separated from Uzbekistan Airways in 2019 and manages Uzbekistan’s 11 international airports. Uzbekistan Airports plans to work with private companies on airport construction projects and management on a tender basis and plans to double the country’s airports’ passenger throughput capacity and triple load throughput capacity by 2026. On January 16, 2023, the company signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement with Changi International Airports (Singapore), which calls for the joint development of a feasibility study for two potential projects: development of the existing Tashkent International Airport, including improving the competitiveness and quality of passenger service, as well as introducing advanced technologies and increasing passenger traffic; and planning and building a new Tashkent International Airport. The expansion of the existing Tashkent International Airport will be finished by the end of 2023 and will double its throughput capacity to 2400 passengers per hour. The new Samarkand Airport, managed by Air Marakanda, opened in March 2022 and began operating in “open sky” mode in October 2022.

The national aviation market is gradually being liberalized. As of August 2023, there were 8 resident airlines in Uzbekistan: Uzbekistan Airways, Silk Avia, Qanot Sharq, Panorama Airways, Humo Air, Centrum Air, Asia Union Airlines, and Tashkent Air. Resident airlines will receive a subsidy of 25% of the ticket price for domestic flights until 2026.

*Earnings of Uzbekistan from incoming tourists.

**Spending of Uzbekistan citizens on foreign trips. *** Exchange Rates = Uzbek soums per $1.   Units: $ millions Source: The State Statistics Committee of Uzbekistan.

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Hospitalityairportsaircraft, opportunities.

Foreign investors will find the most opportunities in this category in the hospitality sector. International hotel brands are currently found mainly in the capital city of Tashkent, but there is a great demand for hotels and global franchises in Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva - the central cities of the ancient Silk Road and major tourism destinations. The government wants to attract foreign investment and management services to the country’s airports in the form of public-private partnerships with an exemption from customs duties and a 50% reduction in income and property taxes for three years. Uzbekistan’s expansion plans for its fleet of short- and medium-haul aircraft should create business opportunities for manufacturers.

For specific opportunities, businesses should contact organizations involved in Uzbekistan’s tourism industry, including the State Tourism Development Committee, Uzbekistan Airways, Uzbekistan Airports and Ministry of Transport.

U.S. companies and individuals interested in learning more about upcoming procurements and export opportunities are encouraged to visit the following websites:

• State Tourism Development Committee
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• Uzbekistan Airways
• Uzbekistan Airports
• Ministry of Investments, Industry and Trade
• Government Portal of the Republic of Uzbekistan
• ITECA Exhibitions Uzbekistan
• U.S. Embassy in Uzbekistan

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Uzbekistan Tourism Insight

The report provides market intelligence on international traveller demographics, behaviour, planning styles and perception of Uzbekistan. UNWTO commends the work carried out by Uzbektourism in cooperation with the Tashkent State University of Economics, the Samarkand Institute of Economics and Service, the Urgench State University and the Bukhara State University for their assistance in collecting relevant data. UNWTO intends to replicate this exercise in other Silk Road destinations in 2016.

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Un tourism news 84: focus on boosting tourism performan..., un tourism news 83: un tourism´s impact: driving invest..., am news | vol. 64 may 2024, africa news issue 23.

Research Article

Analysis of Current Trends and Prospects of Tourism Development in Uzbekistan

• @INPROCEEDINGS{10.4108/eai.21-9-2019.2293966, author={Alimova Mashhura Toirkhonovna and Bobur Sobirov and Narbayev Alisher Erkinjonovich}, title={Analysis of Current Trends and Prospects of Tourism Development in Uzbekistan}, proceedings={Proceedings of the 1st Conference on Islamic Finance and Technology, CIFET, 21 September, Sidoarjo, East Java, Indonesia}, publisher={EAI}, proceedings_a={CIFET}, year={2020}, month={5}, keywords={tourism tourism market international tourism development trends visitors tourism infrastructure international tourist arrivals model forecasting}, doi={10.4108/eai.21-9-2019.2293966} }
• Alimova Mashhura Toirkhonovna Bobur Sobirov Narbayev Alisher Erkinjonovich Year: 2020 Analysis of Current Trends and Prospects of Tourism Development in Uzbekistan CIFET EAI DOI: 10.4108/eai.21-9-2019.2293966
• 1: Silk Road International Tourism University, Uzbekistan
• 2: Samarkand Institute of Economics and Service, Uzbekistan
• 3: Tashkent State Technical University named after Islam Karimov, Uzbekistan

The article examines the current trends in the development of tourism in the Republic of Uzbekistan, using the methods of comparative analysis of the dynamics of indicators. The experience of the Republic of Uzbekistan of reforming the tourism industry into a locomotive for the accelerated development of the national economy on the basis of significant factors in the development of this field, such as simplifying tourist formalities, improving the tourism infrastructure, creating favorable conditions for conducting the tourism business, expanding the range of tourism services, improving the quality of services provided and diversifying the tourism industry, was studied. product, increasing the investment attractiveness of tourist regions and the quality of preparation for firewood, as well as appropriate use of the country's tourism potential. Based on the analysis of development trends in the tourism sector in the country, the results of these reforms are substantiated. The forecast data of the main indicators of the development of the tourism sector in the country are presented. Based on the results of the analysis, recommendations are given on the further development of the tourism sector in Uzbekistan.

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UN General Assembly approves Uzbekistan's 2027 sustainable tourism resolution

On February 26, a milestone was achieved at the United Nations headquarters in New York as the General Assembly unanimously approved the resolution declaring "2027 - International Year of Sustainable and Viable Tourism." This resolution, spearheaded by Uzbekistan, garnered support from over 80 member countries, presidential press service reported . 

The resolution is co-sponsored by numerous nations including Russia, China, the United States, Turkey, Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan, Brazil, and Argentina. Experts from these countries actively participated in consultations to refine the text of the resolution, enriching its content and ensuring its timeliness and relevance.

At the heart of this resolution lies the vision articulated by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan during the General Assembly of the UN World Tourism Organization in Samarkand in October 2023. 

Central to the resolution is the promotion of "green" tourism practices aimed at preserving ecology, biodiversity, and reducing atmospheric pollution. It calls for comprehensive measures to be taken by the UN World Tourism Organization, in collaboration with governments, UN structures, and regional organizations, to ensure the successful implementation of the International Year of Sustainable and Viable Tourism in 2027.

The resolution highlights the importance of sustainable tourism, including ecotourism, as a means to achieve Sustainable Development Goals, stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities, develop rural areas, and enhance living conditions for rural residents. It emphasizes the role of tourism in poverty alleviation, promoting gender equality, empowering youth and persons with disabilities, and fostering economic opportunities for all.

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Domestic tourism in kazakhstan rises by 11%, reaching 5.4 mn in q3 2023  , lot polish airlines will initiate regular flights to uzbekistan, fostering tourism and connectivity , tajikistan, tatarstan enhance economic relations in kazan meeting, uzbekistan mulls taxation reform for public catering industry, president mirziyoyev reviews progress on defense tasks regarding modernization of armed forces, uzbekistan eases fines for fiscal offenses to 2% of quarterly revenue.

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Which Chicago is the real one? Crime scenes or flower beds?

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An unhoused person, purloined Divvy bike at the ready, on the sidewalk just a few yards down the block from the entrance to the Palmer House Hilton on Wednesday morning. Inside, meanwhile, the Palmer House lobby, on that same morning, seems a world away as an entirely different Chicago goes about its business.

Neil Steinberg/Sun-Times

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Say what you will about the city, it certainly runs the gamut, A to Z, and my job is to trot alongside, taking notes. Talk about lucky.

Though it can be a challenge — for me, anyway — to strike a balance. Is Chicago a horror show? A musical delight? Crime scenes or flower beds? Hard to decide. Focus on the downsides of city life, the bloodshed and poverty, and it feels an offense against the springtime. Summer doesn’t officially begin for another three weeks, though now that we’ve checked off Memorial Day, it seems tantalizingly near, setting up its linen tents. June starts Saturday.

But escape into the pleasures of city life during these peak months, the nice restaurants, fascinating museums and one of the great orchestras in the world, and it seems a willful blindness. Children are burning to death in Gaza and I’m musing over pineapple salsa.

So it’s a lose-lose? Whatever you think is wrong? That can’t be right.

The answer, I believe, is to ply the range, the good and the bad. Absorb it all. Keep moving, looking around with an eye to the future. The beauty of things that haven’t happened yet is we don’t know how they’ll transpire. The pivotal Chicago event this summer will be the Democratic National Convention , and until it actually occurs, there’s always the hope it could, theoretically, work out fine. Like in 1996, with new iron railings everywhere, the West Side revitalized and everyone saying how the ghosts of 1968 are finally laid to rest.

Only they weren’t laid to rest were they? They’re still very much here, out of their graves and prowling the shadows. Yes, the convention could buff the gouges out of the city’s battered reputation. It’s possible . But you’d have to be an idiot to expect that. Not when all the ingredients for full-blown, 1968-level disaster are lined up on the counter, waiting to be mixed together. Every aggrieved person in the country heading to Chicago to raise their klaxon voices about a panoply of gut-twisting crises. A party nominating an octogenarian grandpa that even its stalwarts don’t feel excited about. A timorous amateur in City Hall who couldn’t plan a successful sack race.

Enough. The convention is 10 weeks away. Why waste the best time to be in Chicago worrying? Not when we’ve each got our own small private concerns.

I sure do. My older son is getting married on a beach in Michigan in mid-July. I prepared for the event by buying a seersucker suit. If I had to weigh these two worries — Chicago torn apart by strife, or people smirking at a guy who seems to think he’s an extra in a Merchant Ivory movie — the honest answer is the second concern, hands down. “Are you sure this doesn’t look like a costume?” I asked my wife. “I’ve never seen anyone wearing one of these, ever.” Then again, I’m not a habitue of croquet parties.

But I believe in personal rules, predetermined pole stars to follow at moments of duress. Approaching the wedding, my mantra has been, “Whatever the bride wants.” I texted her a photo of the seersucker suit while I was still in the store. She approved.

Besides, it’s not about me. A second wedding mantra. I’m a supernumerary, an extra. The truth is I could show up dressed as Little Bo Peep, complete with crooked staff — I saw a guy wearing close to that on the Metra once — and nobody would notice or care. All eyes would be where they belong: the happy couple.

That’s a plan: try not to make the summer all about you. A lofty goal, perhaps, but then, as Robert Browning said, our reach should exceed our grasp or what’s a heaven for?

Maybe the answer is to live in the moment. Don’t worry about the future — it hasn’t happened yet. There will be a convention of some sorts. The wedding will occur, and if I dump my glass of red NA wine down my seersucker suit while trying to make a toast, well, then that is what will happen, and I’ll dance joyfully with a big stain on my pants. We are here, now, for good and ill, and the temperature won’t fall below zero until at least December. November at the earliest. Make hay while the sun shines.

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Cairo named oic capital of tourism for 2026: a heritage-rich city steeped in history.

Egypt Today staff

Sun, 02 Jun 2024 - 09:19 GMT

The Mosque of Rifai in Cairo - Pixabay/Shady Shaker

CAIRO – 2 June 2024: In an exciting announcement, Cairo has been designated as the capital of tourism for member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for the year 2026.

The prestigious title was revealed during the 12th session of the Conference of Tourism Ministers of OIC member states, which is taking place in Uzbekistan from May 31 to June 2.

The conference, themed "Developing the Tourism Industry in a Sustainable and Flexible Manner," aimed to select tourist cities from the Islamic world for the years 2025 and 2026.

Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Ahmed Issa expressed his delight at Cairo's selection as the OIC capital of tourism for member states, highlighting the city's diverse range of tourism offerings.

He emphasized Egypt's efforts to develop the innovative cultural tourism initiative called Cairo City Break, which aims to establish Cairo as a standalone destination for tourists and increase overnight stays.

Adel El-Gendy, the Director General of the General Department of Strategic Management, highlighted that Cairo City Break showcases the ministry's endeavors to enhance various historical, spiritual, and heritage attractions.

The nomination file for Cairo encompassed a wide array of captivating sites, including the iconic Giza Plateau, Saqqara, the Religions Complex, the renowned mosques of Al-Hakim, Al-Azhar, and Ibn Tulun, as well as the Holy Family journey.

The file also shed light on Cairo's Islamic cultural attractions, such as the historic Al-Muizz Street, Al-Gamaleya, and Al-Azhar, along with remarkable museums like the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) and the highly anticipated Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM).

Furthermore, it showcased other popular tourist and entertainment areas, including the enchanting Fustat Hills Park, Mamsha Ahl Misr, and vibrant lifestyle destinations featuring shopping venues, delectable cuisine, and traditional arts.

The file also acknowledged the modern landmarks present in the New Administrative Capital, east of Cairo, highlighting the new capital’s potential to become one of the world's top city tourism destinations.

Organization of Islamic Cooperation

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Three years of low rainfall and high temperatures have worsened the city's water crisis.

The Cutzamala water system, which provides water to millions, operates now at 28% capacity.

Experts say that Mexico City could run out of drinking water by the end of June, an event locals call "Day Zero."

Mexico City has long struggled to bring water to its millions of residents, but three consecutive years of low rainfall and high temperatures have created a serious emergency.

The Cutzamala water system — a series of treatment plants, reservoirs, and canals that provide water to tens of millions of people — is running dry.

Conditions are so bad that the North American Drought Monitor classified the federal district containing Mexico City as "severe" on April 30. Locals expect "Day Zero" could come as soon as June 26, according to Mexico Business News.

While local politicians downplayed the water crisis for months, several neighborhoods have already seen their water run out, CNN reported .

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The Mexican government describes the Cutzamala system as "vital to the lives of millions of Mexicans" living in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area and the Valley of Toluca Metropolitan Area.

The system normally moves about 15 cubic meters of water a second and provides service to about 22 million people. It's now operating at 28% capacity, The Washington Post reported .

Crumbling infrastructure is also contributing to the problem. About 40% of Mexico City's water is lost due to leaky pipes and other issues, the Post reported.

Gabriel Quadri de la Torre, a federal congressman for the Mexico City district of Coyoacán, told the outlet that fixing the pipes would cost billions and that it's "very difficult to think" the city will have the money to pay for it.

With June 26 fast approaching, the city desperately needs rain. But rainfall might cause a "false sense of security," Christina Boyes, a professor at the Center for Economic Research and Teaching in Mexico City, told the Post.

Researchers from the National Autonomous University of Mexico said in a study that intensive water capture, using treated residual water for agriculture, and refilling aquifers with surface water, could save the Cutzmala system, according to Mexico Business News.

The study found that only 75% of farms in the area use irrigated water, and most do not reuse the water when they can. Still, the study's plan would cost an estimated $5 billion, the report says.

Mexico's National Water Commission announced in February that it's working on projects to improve the Cutzamala system and help supplement some of the water it is losing. As part of the action, the Mexico City Water System introduced a plan to improve infrastructure reliability, strengthen programs for private company participation in the water network, and harvest rainwater in schools, the agency said.

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