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Cultural heritage of Central Asia - a factor in attracting foreign investment in tourism

The panel session "Tourism and Cultural Heritage: attractiveness of the Central Asian region for foreign investors" was held within the framework of the Tashkent International Investment Forum. Central Asia, known for its rich Silk Road historical heritage and diverse culture, continues to develop as a center of attraction for foreign investment in the tourism sector. Industry leaders and experts gathered to explore the attractive opportunities and challenges of using the region's cultural richness to attract foreign investors. The session was moderated by Elena Son, Executive Director of AUCC. Speakers for the event included: - Paolo Barletta, CEO, Arsenale - Alexis Feuillat, Director, IHG Hotels and Resorts - Cristina Doros, Senior Vice President, VISA - Christoph Mangold, Mangold Consulting - Dmitry Volvach, Deputy Minister of Economic Development of Russia - Umid Shodiyev, Chairman, Tourism Committee of Uzbekistan "In Uzbekistan, a country without access to the sea but with an amazing railway infrastructure, we aim to create a luxury travel segment. Imagine luxury trains that don't just transport you from Tashkent to Bukhara and Samarkand, but offer the services of a five-star hotel on wheels. It's not just a ride, it's an entire journey where you can sleep, enjoy restaurant services and nightlife right on the train. After touring the cities, passengers return to their 'travelling hotel' and continue their journey in comfort. This project could attract significant attention, as the offering is different from traditional rail travel. When the first passengers share their positive experiences, others will want to experience this unique form of travel and by this contribute to Uzbekistan's tourism potential." Continuing the tourism theme, Cristina Doros, Senior Vice President of VISA noted that tourism development in Uzbekistan requires a comprehensive approach: from improving infrastructure to scaling up opportunities for booking and purchasing services online. In her opinion, this will not only improve the experience of tourists, but also significantly improve the quality of life of local residents, providing them with new opportunities and stimulating the economic development of the country." Overall, participants gained valuable insights into industry perspectives and effective strategies for capitalizing on the unique attractiveness of Central Asia's tourism and cultural assets to attract foreign investment.