Gulchehra Israilova
Association of Private Tourist Organizations of Uzbekistan
26 Years of Developing the Hospitality Industry
Over the past quarter-century, the Association of Private Tourist Organizations of Uzbekistan (APTOU) has become a key driver in the country’s tourism industry. Founded in 1998 with government support, the association today unites over 300 market participants—from major tour operators to family-run guesthouses—creating a unified professional ecosystem.
APTOU’s main areas of activity include advocating for its members’ interests, developing human resources, and promoting Uzbekistan on the global tourism stage. In the past seven years, more than 5,000 professionals have completed its training programs. Regular workshops, webinars, and international internships help tourism professionals stay up to date with the latest trends.
Special focus is placed on sustainable tourism initiatives. In 2024, with support from USAID, a large-scale regional project was implemented. It included the creation of a certification system for accommodation providers, the introduction of a star classification for guesthouses, the development of cross-border tourism packages across Central Asia, and digital skills training for small and medium-sized business owners.
TashkentTravelMart-2024: A New Level of Professional Dialogue
A highlight of the year was the international TashkentTravelMart exhibition, which gathered representatives from 25 countries. One of the standout events was the TRAVELHUB Uzbekistan conference, focused on the digital transformation of the industry. The B2B sessions led to the signing of over 150 promising contracts.
“Modern tourism is unthinkable without deep digitalization,” APTOU notes. “The adoption of AI solutions, process automation, and the development of digital skills are now essential for competitiveness.”
Over 26 years, APTOU has not only strengthened Uzbekistan’s tourism sector but also elevated regional professional dialogue to a new level. The organization’s future lies in further digital integration and advancing the industry’s human capital.
