A new tourist zone will emerge in Bukhara

The President of Uzbekistan approved a comprehensive document to accelerate the development of the tourist potential of Bukhara city and Bukhara province in 2017-2019. One of its key components is the creation of a tourist zone named "Kadimiy Bukhoro" in the city which will include the construction of modern private hotels, cultural, recreational and shopping centers, to improve conditions for full-time round-the-clock leisure of foreign tourists. The head of state appointed the National Bank for Foreign Economic Affairs of Uzbekistan as the authorized credit and financial institution to fund the project including trough attraction of direct investments and charitable funds from a famous Russian entrepreneur Alisher Usmanov. The boundaries of the new tourist zone will be determined by the end of July 2017, while its total territory will be at least 10 hectares. All business entities and investment companies to be engaged in the activities on the territory of the "Kadimiy Bukhoro" will be exempt from taxation until January 1, 2020.

A synthesis of traditions and modernity

Another important project is being implemented by the Asaka Bank; it foresees the creation of a quarter of artisans and a covered market in the historical part of Bukhara, on the territory of Shahriston Market. It will consist of two-storeyed houses with traditional handicraft workshops selling national souvenirs, gold embroidery products, books, fruits and vegetables, sweets and other products which are in demand among tourists. All these objects will be built using stylistic and decorative techniques based on the traditions of national architecture and preserving the surrounding historical appearance. The Ministry of Culture organizes various shows, theatrical concert performances containing reconstruction of historical events, performances of folklore ensembles and modern pop stars, fashion shows and other entertainment events in the tourist zone "Kadimiy Bukhoro" and other locations of the city in order to attract tourists. The entire historical part of Bukhara will be equipped with free Wi-Fi access. The president also instructed to complete the restoration of the Ark Fortress by 2021 to restore the destroyed part of its courtyard.