TASHKENT, May 25 (Xinhua) -- The recent May Day holiday has confirmed a sustained and robust interest among Chinese tourists toward Uzbekistan, converting tourism demand into a real driver for the qualitative transformation of the national service sector. Feruz Dodiev, Deputy Head of the International Relations Department of the Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan, shared this insight in an exclusive interview with Xinhua.
Niche destinations for in-depth travel across Central Asian countries emerged as a top choice during the May Day holiday for travelers seeking unique cultural experiences. According to data from the travel platform Fliggy, bookings for tourism products to countries like Uzbekistan surged by more than 100 percent year-on-year.
According to Dodiev, the influx of visitors from China in early May demonstrated a clear shift in preference from traditional shopping tourism toward a model centered on cultural consumption and immersive experiences. Chinese travelers are prioritizing cultural heritage sites, historical monuments, and the study of traditional crafts, supporting the long-term and sustainable development of the country's tourism infrastructure.
To meet the evolving demands of Chinese guests, Uzbekistan is gradually rolling out targeted digital solutions, the Tourism Committee representative explained. Specifically, WeChat Pay terminals are now fully operational at the "Silk Road Samarkand" tourist center and Samarkand International Airport, allowing visitors to pay for hotel and other services via QR codes. This trend is accompanied by a significant rise in demand for personalized itinerary planning and online services at every stage of the journey.
Dodiev emphasized that the influx of tourists from China directly stimulates the development of Uzbekistan's hospitality, catering, transport, and retail sectors. He noted a marked increase in employment opportunities within the tourism sector and the ongoing adaptation of local services to match the preferences of Chinese guests ranging from menu adjustments to faster service delivery.
In a broader context, the recovery and momentum of the Chinese consumer market in the outbound tourism sector are becoming critical factors in boosting both local and global economies.
As Dodiev noted, spending by Chinese tourists increases working capital in local economies, revitalizes small and medium-sized businesses, and creates new jobs. Consequently, the return of Chinese travelers acts as a powerful catalyst for global demand, reaffirming China's status as one of the leading engines of global economic growth.
(Contributed by Bao Nuomin, edited by Tian Shenyoujia with Xinhua Silk Road, tianshenyoga0524@163.com)
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