Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan collaborate to introduce the Silk Road Highlights Tour promotion
The Silk Road Highlights Tour is a groundbreaking collaboration between the Azerbaijan Tourism Board and the National PR Centre of Uzbekistan. This initiative aims to reimagine the Silk Road as a dynamic modern journey, rather than a mere historical event, and connect key cities in both countries to create an engaging tourism experience.
The Itinerary
The tour takes travelers on a captivating journey through several iconic destinations:
- Azerbaijan: The tour starts in Baku, the capital city, and continues to Shamakhi, known for its historic mosques, before reaching Sheki, a picturesque town famous for its stunning architecture.
- Uzbekistan: The journey then proceeds to Khiva, a city steeped in history, followed by Bukhara, a vibrant hub of traditional markets and stunning architecture, and concludes in Samarkand, home to the UNESCO-listed Registan Square, a timeless Silk Road treasure.
The Collaboration
The primary entities involved in this collaboration are the Azerbaijan Tourism Board, responsible for promoting tourism in Azerbaijan, and the National PR Centre of Uzbekistan, overseeing similar efforts in Uzbekistan.
Future Developments
To further promote the tour, both countries are planning B2B roadshows in key European capitals, including Barcelona, Budapest, Frankfurt, Prague, Vienna, and Zurich from 13 to 24 October 2025. These roadshows will bring together 20 trade representatives from Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, alongside Azerbaijan Airlines, Uzbekistan Airways, hotel chains, and inbound destination management companies (DMCs).
The focus of these future packages is on enhancing the Silk Road experience, which could include additional historical sites, cultural events, and unique local experiences. Future developments may also include more in-depth exploration of both Azerbaijan's and Uzbekistan's cultural heritages, possibly incorporating local festivals, historical reenactments, or unique cultural workshops.
A Vision for the Future
With a shared vision to promote tourism and cultural exchange, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to formalise their long-term tourism partnership and establish a unified brand. This partnership is seen as a prime example of regional cooperation, with both countries aiming to attract millions of tourists in the coming years.
For instance, Uzbekistan aims to attract 15 million tourists by 2030, with offering more visa-free travel being a key part of the plan. Azerbaijan, too, is allowing Chinese citizens to enter the country visa-free for one year. This initiative is expected to boost tourism significantly, making the Silk Road Highlights Tour an even more appealing option for travelers.
Through this collaborative effort, the Silk Road Highlights Tour offers a vivid immersion into the historical and cultural heritage of the ancient Silk Road across both nations, providing travelers with a unique and unforgettable experience.
