By V. Sivaji
The Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan through its Tourism Committee of Uzbekistan held a tourism forum at the St Giles Wembley Hotel which saw the gathering of more than 150 industry stakeholders.
Representing the Penang Chief Minister was State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Wong Hon Wai who was welcomed by Mr Umid Shadiev, chairman of Tourism Committee of Uzbekistan and his team members.
Also present was Tourism Malaysia Northern Region director Abdul Hadi and Penang Global Tourism (PGT( chief executive officer, Ooi Chok Yan.
Uzbekistan is also known as the “Pearl of the Silk Road” is rich with history, tradition and brings the crossroads of civilization.
In his address, Wong shared that Uzbekistan is a land of deep historical roots, cultural magnificence and warm hospitality, making it a fascinating destination for global travelers.
“Penang and Uzbekistan may be geographically distant, but we are united by a shared passion for cultural heritage, tourism and economic collaboration.
“Uzbekistan, with its breathtaking architecture, historic Silk Road cities and warm hospitality, is a destination that deeply resonates with cultural travelers. For Uzbek travelers, Penang offers a tropical paradise with pristine beaches, a welcoming environment for Muslim visitors and a wealth of historical and gastronomic experiences.
“As we look ahead, there is vast potential for collaboration between Uzbekistan and Penang in the field of tourism. Uzbekistan Airways and Batik Air already operate four direct flights per week from Kuala Lumpur to Tashkent, making travel between our nations more accessible'< said Wong in his address.
He also shared that Uzbekistan is home to a predominantly Muslim population and Penang, with its rich Islamic heritage and abundance of halal-certified dining options, is well-positioned to cater to Muslim travelers seeking a comfortable and welcoming environment.
Meanwhile, Shadiev added that his country received more than 10,000 Malaysians in 2024 and they visited the art, culture, snow capped mountains, waterfalls and scenic beauty of the country.
“We also welcome Malaysian investors and hoteliers to set up businesses there and grow the tourism industry for the benefit of both countries”, he said.
Other speakers at the forum were Aziz Mirdjalilov, Head of Marketing, Tourism Committee of Uzbekistan and Anvar Kadirov, Head of Sales, Uzbekistan Airways.
Guests were also treated to some traditional music presentations and dance performance from the Uzbekistan.
