More Malaysians Visiting Uzbekistan

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 26 (Bernama) -- More Malaysians are visiting Uzbekistan, reflecting strong bilateral ties between the two countries, said the trade counsellor of the Uzbekistan embassy in Malaysia, Takhir Aliev. A total of 2,035 Malaysians visited Uzbezkistan last year, an increase of 34 per cent over the previous year. "We expect to increase the number of Malaysian visitors to 25 per cent by next year as we have interesting historical places and monuments," Aliev told Bernama at the one-day Uzbekistan tourism roadshow held here Tuesday. The roadshow, aimed at promoting Uzbekistan among Malaysians, saw the participation of nine travel agencies from the Central Asian country offering flights and accommodation packages to travellers as well as seeking potential cooperation with local travel agencies. Aliev said the Uzbekistan government is improving facilities such as roads and hotels to attract tourists from around the world including Malaysia. Some 11,000 Uzbeks visited Malaysia on holiday and business trips last year with 600 Uzbek students currently studying in the country. (picture) Staff of Elite Tour Travel Agency Uzbekistan, Kholmuradova Lola (right) giving information to some of the local travel industry players at the one-day Uzbekistan tourism roadshow Tuesday. (photoBERNAMA) MALAYSIA