Samarkand‘s Silk Road Complex Rapidly Ascends as Global Tourism Hub
SAMARKAND,UZBEKISTAN – Just two years after its 2022 debut,the Silk Road Samarkand complex is rapidly establishing itself as a premier destination for cultural exploration and luxury tourism,driving a important surge in Uzbekistan‘s tourism sector and attracting international attention. The ambitious project has already received accolades including “Revelation of the Year” and “Brand of the Year,” and is poised to play host to the 43rd UNESCO General Conference in 2025 - a historic first for the event to be held outside of Paris in four decades.The complex is demonstrably boosting visitor numbers, welcoming over 4 million guests annually and contributing to a 60 percent increase in foreign arrivals to Samarkand. This growth is fueled by a blend of preserving the city’s rich history and offering modern amenities, a vision spearheaded by Zafar Butaev.
“The ultimate goal is for visitors to leave Silk Road Samarkand with unforgettable memories, carrying a piece of Samarkand’s spirit with them,” butaev stated, emphasizing the complex’s commitment to both heritage and contemporary experiences.
Silk Road Samarkand is actively expanding its offerings to cater to a wider range of travelers. Recent additions include a family-friendly water park and the development of a bio-lake with a beach. The Expo Centre is also undergoing significant expansion, increasing its capacity from 4,000 to 10,000 square meters to better accommodate international events and exhibitions.Strategic market development is a key focus, with efforts concentrated on neighboring Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, alongside key European destinations like Italy, France, Germany, and the UK. The launch of Air Samarkand has been instrumental in facilitating this growth, establishing direct air links to major hubs in Turkey, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and indonesia, supporting both cultural and pilgrimage tourism.
Samarkand, historically renowned for landmarks such as Registan Square, the gur-Emir Mausoleum, and the Shakhi-Zinda necropolis, is now seamlessly integrating its ancient legacy with a forward-looking vision. Silk Road Samarkand is not simply adding to the city’s attractions; it is transforming Samarkand into a contemporary global center for tourism,culture,and innovation,solidifying Uzbekistan’s position on the world stage.