AGP Executive Report

EU Sanctions Drama: Latvia blocked an EU compromise that would have lifted Russia-linked sanctions on Alisher Usmanov (Uzbek-born) and Mikhail Fridman, risking the renewal of measures against nearly 3,000 people and entities as talks run to the deadline. Aviation & Tourism Links: Etihad signed a cooperation deal with Uzbekistan’s Tourism Committee to boost UAE–Uzbekistan travel marketing, including Abu Dhabi–Tashkent flights and codeshare connectivity. Cultural Tourism Spotlight: Uzbekistan’s Islamic Civilization Center won a gold award at Spain’s Terres Travel Festival for “Whispers of Wisdom,” highlighting Islamic heritage as a travel draw. Rail Travel Update (Region): Kazakhstan expands women-only train carriages, adding an Almaty–Tashkent cross-border route from Oct 1, 2026. Chess in Samarkand: Guyana named its teams for the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan, while FIDE also moved to reimburse teams hit by accommodation chaos. Sports Logistics (India): India’s Asian Games support ramped up with airport assistance, transport for shooters, and extra rooms for staff.

Uzbekistan Tourism & Culture: The Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan won a gold award at Spain’s Terres Travel Festival for its film “Whispers of Wisdom,” spotlighting Uzbekistan’s history, scholars and cultural heritage for international travelers. People-to-People Tourism Links: A nine-member Uzbek media delegation toured Lahore’s top landmarks (Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque, Minar-i-Pakistan and more), aiming to boost cultural understanding and tourism potential between Uzbekistan and Pakistan. Travel & Connectivity: Uzbekistan’s air travel ecosystem gets a boost as AZAL expands Central Asia routes, adding Shymkent, Atyrau and Aktobe and strengthening connections via Baku—useful for Uzbekistan-bound travelers planning onward trips. On-the-ground Travel Experience: FIDE Chess Olympiad coverage from Samarkand highlights accommodation chaos affecting teams, a reminder that visitor logistics matter during major events. Regional Spotlight: Uzbekistan’s military personnel arrived in Azerbaijan for “Power of Unity–2026,” signaling continued regional cooperation that can indirectly shape travel planning around exercises.

Air Connectivity Boost: AZAL is expanding its Central Asia network to 10 cities, adding services to Shymkent, Atyrau and Aktobe, with Uzbekistan routes including daily Tashkent flights and twice-weekly Samarkand—plus 400,000 passengers carried since early 2026. Chess Tourism Spotlight: The 46th Chess Olympiad in Samarkand continues to draw attention, but accommodation chaos has also hit teams—FIDE says it will reimburse affected squads after reports of long waits for hotel rooms. Regional Events in Focus: Uzbekistan military personnel have arrived in Azerbaijan for the “Power of Unity–2026” joint exercise, with logistics and support arranged on arrival. Business & Culture Links: A nine-member Uzbek media delegation toured Lahore’s key heritage sites to strengthen people-to-people ties and highlight tourism potential. Sustainable Travel at WTM: Import Promotion Desk is showcasing Uzbekistan and other countries’ sustainable tourism products at World Travel Market London (3–5 Nov), targeting European tour operators. Karakalpakstan Development: Uzbekistan’s Karakalpakstan gets major investment momentum—new wind power capacity and large-scale projects are underway as the region pushes socio-economic growth.

Chess Olympiad in Samarkand: Kazakhstan beat Germany in the women’s round five (2.5-1.5) and drew Estonia in the men’s (2-2) as the event heads into round six on Sept 21. Accommodation chaos hits visitors: Multiple reports say teams, including India’s, waited hours for hotel rooms after arrival in Uzbekistan, with FIDE promising reimbursement after the lodging problems. Uzbekistan tourism & culture abroad: A nine-member Uzbek media delegation toured Lahore’s Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque, Iqbal’s mausoleum, Gurdwara Dera Sahib and Minar-i-Pakistan to boost people-to-people ties and highlight tourism potential. Regional travel links: Etihad signed a tourism cooperation deal with Uzbekistan, while Uzbekistan and South Korea agreed to deepen cultural cooperation in libraries and tourism. Karakalpakstan development: Uzbekistan’s president met in Nukus to discuss major socio-economic projects, including large wind power plans—good news for long-term regional infrastructure. Travel inspiration: A feature on Central Asia’s nomad games (Kyrgyzstan’s World Nomad Games) spotlights horseback polo, archery and falconry for adventure travelers.

Uzbekistan–India travel & culture ties: India and Uzbekistan upgraded relations with a 30-day visa-free regime for travelers, plus reciprocal cultural weeks, joint film festivals, and new tourist routes—another boost for cross-border tourism and heritage visits. Uzbekistan tourism development: Uzbekistan is set to launch a 2027 tourism year in Tashkent with UN Tourism, signaling a fresh push to market the country internationally. Aviation & connectivity: Etihad signed a tourism cooperation deal with Uzbekistan, while Lufthansa Technik agreed a long-term maintenance deal with Uzbekistan Airways—both aimed at strengthening travel access and service quality. Tourism experience & safety: Reports say tourists in Uzbekistan may be offered personal bodyguards, pointing to a new approach to traveler security. Sports tourism spotlight (Samarkand): The 2026 Chess Olympiad in Samarkand faced accommodation chaos for arriving teams, including long waits for rooms—an important reminder for event organizers and visitor logistics. Regional travel context: Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are also strengthening tourism cooperation, adding momentum for Central Asia itineraries.

Karakalpakstan Development Push: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev chaired a Nukus meeting on socio-economic growth, citing major incentives for investors and a surge in investment, while highlighting new power capacity and a $7bn project pipeline including large wind plans—good news for travelers as infrastructure and jobs expand. Chess Olympiad Travel Troubles in Samarkand: India’s team faced hours-long hotel room delays after arrival, with players reporting accommodation chaos that affected early rounds—another reminder to plan carefully around major events. Asian Games Start in Japan (and Uzbekistan’s sports link): Aichi-Nagoya 2026 opened with 11,000+ athletes and 43 sports, featuring Uzbekistan-origin kurash alongside kabaddi and sepaktakraw; competitions began earlier than the official ceremony, shaping regional travel flows. Uzbekistan–Korea Cultural & Tourism Cooperation: Korea and Uzbekistan agreed to deepen cultural ties, including library and tourism cooperation, as part of broader strategic momentum. Aral School for Climate & Landscape: The Aral School in Nukus is preparing a 2027 intake focused on climate and landscape, training participants through hands-on work on the Aral Sea’s changing environment. Etihad and Uzbekistan Tourism Deal: Etihad signed a cooperation agreement with Uzbekistan’s tourism bodies, signaling continued efforts to boost access and visitor numbers.

Asian Games 2026 in Japan: The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games officially opened Sept. 19, but many events started earlier due to a packed schedule. Organizers expect 11,000+ athletes across 43 sports and 45 countries/regions, with traditional disciplines like kurash (from Uzbekistan), kabaddi, and sepaktakraw alongside newer additions such as teqball, padel, and esports. EU sanctions deadlock: EU diplomats are scrambling over whether to renew Russia-linked sanctions, with France pushing to delist Russian-Uzbek billionaire Alisher Usmanov—a move that could ease some restrictions while keeping others. Uzbekistan–Korea tourism & culture ties: Korea and Uzbekistan are deepening cooperation in culture and tourism, with agreements also touching high-speed rail and broader strategic links. Uzbekistan travel access update: Japan has added Uzbekistan to its list of countries whose citizens with diplomatic passports can enter visa-free. Aral Sea education in Karakalpakstan: The Aral School in Nukus is preparing a new six-month residency (Jan–Jun 2027), focused on climate and landscape, with applications open until Oct. 25.

Aviation & Connectivity: Etihad signed a tourism cooperation deal with Uzbekistan Tourism Committee, adding to a busy week of airline partnerships that keep boosting access to Samarkand, Bukhara, Urgench, Nukus, Termez, Fergana, Namangan and Andijan. Tourism Policy: Uzbekistan is preparing to launch a 2027 Tourism Year in Tashkent with UN Tourism, signaling a fresh push for international arrivals and longer stays. Culture & Heritage Travel: India and Uzbekistan elevated ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during PM Modi’s Tashkent visit, with new tourist routes, reciprocal cultural weeks, film festivals, and a 30-day visa-free regime for travelers. Education for Travelers: A China-led branch campus in Khiva (tourism management among its programs) is set to train up to 2,000 students, supporting the skills pipeline behind future tourism growth. Regional Travel Demand: UN Tourism reports global international tourism grew only 0.4% in H1 2026, while Europe rose 3% and the Middle East fell 22%—a reminder that Uzbekistan’s diversification matters. Practical Travel Note: Japan added Uzbekistan to its diplomatic passport visa-exemption list, easing official travel for diplomats.

Aviation & Connectivity: Etihad has signed a tourism cooperation deal with Uzbekistan, adding to the momentum of new airline links for travelers heading to Samarkand, Bukhara, Urgench and more. Diplomacy & Culture: India and Uzbekistan are deepening ties beyond trade, with Prime Minister Modi’s Tashkent visit bringing new cultural weeks, joint film festivals, new tourist routes and a 30-day visa-free regime for visitors from both countries. Tourism Experiences: Karakalpakstan is hosting the YONAR experimental art festival on the Barsakelmes salt flat, where participants build a “White Salt City” for three days under a leave-no-trace approach. Heritage & Learning: The Aral School in Nukus is preparing its next intake (Jan–Jun 2027), focusing on climate and landscape and teaching through hands-on work in the Aral Sea region. Travel Policy: Japan has expanded diplomatic passport visa exemptions to include Uzbekistan, easing official travel for diplomats. Regional Spotlight: A new international festival, “Orukzar,” is running in Kyrgyzstan’s Batken region with participation from Uzbekistan and other neighbors, blending culture and tourism.

Air Connectivity Boost: Etihad signed a tourism cooperation deal with Uzbekistan’s Tourism Committee, adding single-ticket access to eight Uzbek destinations (Samarkand, Bukhara, Urgench, Nukus, Termez, Fergana, Namangan, Andijan) via its Abu Dhabi–Tashkent route and a May 2026 codeshare. More Routes via Dubai: flydubai expanded interline agreements with Air India and Uzbekistan Airways, giving passengers seamless connections to 80+ destinations through Dubai—strengthening Central Asia links for leisure travel. Tourism Demand Signals: UN Tourism reports international travel grew just 0.4% in H1 2026, but Europe rose 3%; Moldova (+25%), Greece (+15%) and Ireland (+15%) stood out—useful context for Uzbekistan’s regional positioning. Culture on the Salt Flats: Uzbekistan’s Kungrad District hosts the YONAR “White Salt City” art festival (Sept 17–19), built on a leave-no-trace, participant-led model in Karakalpakstan. Samarkand Chess Olympiad Fix: FIDE promised reimbursement for teams hit by accommodation chaos, including costs for up to three days after players waited or paid out of pocket.

Air Connectivity Boost: Etihad signed a cooperation deal with Uzbekistan’s Tourism Committee at ATM 2026, backed by its Uzbekistan Airways codeshare from 15 May 2026, giving Etihad guests single-ticket access to eight Uzbek destinations (Samarkand, Bukhara, Urgench, Nukus, Termez, Fergana, Namangan, Andijan). More Routes via Dubai: flydubai added interline agreements with Air India and Uzbekistan Airways, unlocking 80+ extra destinations for passengers through Dubai with single-ticket itineraries and through-checked baggage. Tourism Demand Up: Uzbekistan welcomed 9.1M foreign tourists in Jan–Aug, up 1.6M year-on-year, with top source markets Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan. New Travel Access: S7 Airlines resumed direct flights Moscow–Urgench (twice weekly), a convenient gateway for Khiva and Khorezm tourism. Culture & Creative Travel: A temporary “White Salt City” art festival (YONAR) is staged on the Barsakelmes salt flat in Karakalpakstan, with a leave-no-trace approach. Digital Payments for Visitors: India’s UPI is set to work in Uzbekistan via UZQR, offering Indian travelers an easier alternative to cards and cash. Tourism Safety Talk: Uzbekistan may offer personal bodyguards to tourists, signaling a push to boost traveler confidence. Chess Tourism Spotlight: FIDE promised reimbursement after accommodation chaos at the Samarkand Chess Olympiad affected teams, including India.

Chess Olympiad in Samarkand: FIDE stepped in after accommodation chaos left some teams without rooms, promising reimbursement for self-booked lodging (up to three days) and extra compensation for teams in non-approved hotels—after Indian GMs reported long waits and out-of-pocket costs. Tourism Growth Numbers: Uzbekistan welcomed 9.1 million foreign visitors in Jan–Aug 2026, up 1.6 million year-on-year, with Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan driving about 74% of arrivals. Payments for Travelers: India’s UPI is set to work in Uzbekistan via UZQR, letting Indian visitors pay with existing UPI apps—an easier alternative to cards and cash. New Rail Link for Tourism: Uzbekistan’s UTY launched passenger service on the electrified Baytqo‘rg‘on–Parkent line (about 50 minutes), aiming to boost access to the Parkent area. Safety for VIP visitors: Uzbekistan is considering a personal bodyguard service for foreign business delegations and officials, with risk assessment and rapid-response support. Connectivity Boost: flydubai added interline agreements with Air India and Uzbekistan Airways, expanding one-ticket connections through Dubai.

Chess Olympiad fallout in Samarkand: FIDE stepped in after accommodation chaos left some teams without proper rooms, promising reimbursement for teams that booked lodging themselves (up to three days) and extra compensation for those in sub-standard official hotels. Visa trouble at the same event: Namibia’s players reportedly had visas rejected on arrival in Tashkent, forcing last-minute changes to their delegation. Tourism numbers up: Uzbekistan welcomed 9.1 million foreign tourists in Jan–Aug 2026, up 1.6 million year-on-year, with the biggest shares from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan. New rail link for travelers: Uzbekistan’s UTY launched passenger service on the electrified Baytqo‘rg‘on–Parkent line (about 50 minutes), aiming to boost access to the Toshkent region. Safety for visitors (proposal): Uzbekistan is considering personal bodyguard services for business delegations and VIP foreign guests, with route risk assessments and rapid-response support. Connectivity boost: flydubai added interline agreements with Air India and Uzbekistan Airways, expanding one-ticket connections via Dubai. Regional travel policy: OTS plans to let citizens of member states travel using national ID cards (no passport) within the bloc.

Chess Olympiad in Samarkand: India’s defending champions hit a rough start as GM Srinath Narayanan and GM Vidit Gujrathi complained about a 5-hour wait for hotel rooms after landing, with players eventually checked in but calling it an “unpleasant experience.” Sports Tourism Spotlight: Team Nigeria also arrived in Samarkand for the 46th FIDE World Chess Olympiad (Sep 15–27), aiming for category medals as the event draws a record 400 teams. Korea–Uzbekistan Culture & Tourism: Seoul and Tashkent agreed to deepen cultural cooperation, including a joint library push and expanding King Sejong Institutes, ahead of the first Korea–Central Asia summit. Travel Access for Indians: Uzbekistan’s embassy says some Indian travelers with specific multiple-entry visas (US/UK/Canada/Australia/Japan/Schengen, etc.) can get a 30-day visa-free stay with a confirmed onward ticket. Regional Travel Facilitation: Turkic Council plans to let citizens of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan and Turkey travel using ID cards (no passport), with timelines still being discussed.

Chess Olympiad logistics: India’s defending champions hit a rough start in Samarkand as players reportedly waited hours for hotel rooms after landing, with GMs Srinath Narayanan and Vidit Gujrathi publicly slamming the accommodation delays ahead of the Sept 16-27 FIDE event. Korea–Central Asia ties: South Korea and Uzbekistan agreed to deepen cooperation in culture and tourism, including library projects and language education, as Seoul prepares for its first leaders’ summit with Central Asia on Sept 16. Tourism demand beyond the classics: Uzbekistan logged 9.1 million foreign visits in the first eight months of 2026, with spending up sharply and more travellers venturing past Tashkent–Samarkand–Bukhara–Khiva routes. Visa update for Indians: Uzbekistan’s embassy says eligible Indian passport holders with certain valid multiple-entry visas (US/UK/Canada/Australia/Japan/NZ/South Korea/Schengen) can get a 30-day visa-free stay with a confirmed onward ticket. Regional travel policy: The Turkic Council says citizens of five member states may be able to travel using ID cards, aiming to expand the arrangement across OTS countries. Safety travel note: Kerala vlogger Arunima, who earlier reported detention fears in Afghanistan, says she is safe after authorities threatened arrest over rules for women travelling alone.

Korea–Uzbekistan ties: South Korea and Uzbekistan signed 13 deals covering high-speed rail, defense, critical minerals, AI and more as leaders met ahead of the first Korea–Central Asia Summit in Seoul. Aviation & connectivity: Lufthansa Technik inked a long-term support agreement with Uzbekistan Airways through 2035 for Airbus A320 and Boeing 787 fleets—good news for reliability as Uzbekistan pushes as a regional aviation hub. Tourism access for Indians: The Indian Embassy in Tashkent says eligible Indian travelers with multiple-entry visas from select countries (including US/UK/Schengen) can stay in Uzbekistan visa-free for up to 30 days with a confirmed return/onward ticket. Regional tourism boost: Kazakhstan–Uzbekistan tourism cooperation is expanding, with over 50 flights weekly and medical tourism highlighted as a key draw. Chess tourism moment: The Chess Olympiad 2026 torch countdown reached Uzbek GM Javokhir Sindarov, with the event in Samarkand running Sept 15–27—another global spotlight for Uzbekistan travel. Safety & travel reality check: A Kerala travel vlogger’s Afghanistan ordeal underscores how solo travel rules can quickly derail plans—especially for women—before continuing toward the Uzbekistan border. Crime crackdown in Tashkent: Mirziyoyev ordered stronger crime curbs in Tashkent, linking public security to attracting investment and tourism. Tourism policy watch: Thailand tightened visa rules starting Sept 15, ending a 60-day exemption for many nationalities—relevant for regional travelers planning onward trips.