Mongolia and Uzbekistan are set to expand their partnership in tourism. On June 24–25, 2025, the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, will make a state visit to Mongolia at the invitation of President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa. As part of the visit, a tourism forum titled “The Pearl of Silk Road” was held in Ulaanbaatar on June 23. The event brought together over 150 tourism experts and business leaders from both countries.
The goal of the forum was to find ways to work together in tourism. Discussions focused on developing Silk Road and special interest tours, increasing tourist traffic, and sharing best practices. Both countries see great value in combining their rich histories and tourism potential.
In the 13th century, the Mongol Empire made the Silk Road safe for travelers. During this time, Uzbek cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Tashkent became important centers of culture, religion, and art. Now, Mongolia and Uzbekistan want to build on this legacy by creating modern Silk Road tourism experiences.
Mongolia and Uzbekistan have enjoyed diplomatic ties since 1992. Leaders from both sides now aim to raise their cooperation in tourism to a new level. Their shared history and cultural links offer a strong base for this goal.
According to Gantumur Damba, President of the Mongolian Tourism Association, the idea for stronger tourism ties was agreed upon during President Ukhnaa’s state visit to Uzbekistan last year. He explained that the two countries have much in common, including historical paths and cultural traditions.
Gantumur also noted that the two nations have different strengths. Uzbekistan has long experience in preserving culinary, cultural, and heritage tourism. It is also well known in the Islamic world and other parts of Asia. On the other hand, Mongolia’s focus is on adventure travel, nomadic life, and horse-based tours. Its main tourism markets are East and North Asian countries like South Korea, Japan, and China.
The idea is to blend these strengths into joint tourism products. By sharing each other’s tourism markets and combining different types of experiences, both sides hope to attract more global visitors.
To make this plan a reality, both countries have set clear steps. First, they will take part in the Silk Road International Tourism Fair in Tashkent. They will also arrange familiarization tours for travel companies and promote knowledge exchange between tour operators.
In 2023, the two sides created the legal foundation for direct air travel. Now, they are exploring options to launch direct flights between their capitals. This would make travel faster and easier for tourists and industry professionals.
More ideas are also on the table. These include creating two-country tour packages, improving the climate for tourism investments, and supporting small and medium businesses in the sector. Authorities hope that working together will lead to long-term success and help both nations grow their tourism industries.
The forum has also inspired discussions about the potential for cultural festivals, shared marketing campaigns, and training programs for tourism workers. By combining their strengths and promoting each other’s destinations, Mongolia and Uzbekistan hope to attract tourists who seek unique experiences tied to history, nature, and culture.
The move to deepen Silk Road tourism ties comes at a time when both countries are working to diversify their economies. Tourism is seen as a strong tool for boosting income, creating jobs, and sharing heritage with the world.
By strengthening air links, building partnerships, and designing rich cultural experiences, Mongolia and Uzbekistan aim to shine a new light on the Silk Road and make it a top destination for global travelers once again.
