What happened
In Uzbekistan, tourism is being reformed — an industry that shapes the country’s image and increases its recognition in the world, influencing the economy, including small businesses. The President signed a resolution on measures to organize the activities of the new Tourism Committee. To increase the country’s tourist attractiveness, a procedure is being established to reward film studios for using Uzbekistan’s image in cinematography.
Why is this important
- Expansion of the department’s list of tasks, inclusion of additional areas of responsibility, search for new ways to develop the industry.
- The return of some of the funds to film companies for using the country’s image makes the country an attractive platform for international filming.
- Such a measure is an investment in increasing jobs, popularizing the country, and increasing tourist flow.
- It also becomes a tool for increasing the country’s recognition in the world and shaping its image.
Rebate system
Foreign film companies that make films in the country or use Uzbekistan’s image will be able to return part of the funds for this.
The refund amount can be:
- 10% — for expenses up to 3 billion soums;
- 15% — from 3 to 5 billion soums;
- 20% — from 5 to 10 billion soums;
- 25% — for expenses exceeding 10 billion soums, with a maximum refund of up to 4 billion soums per film.
The Image of Uzbekistan in Cinema
- New procedure from March 1, 2026: payment for episodes promoting the country in the film industry and the world.
- Episodes that directly or indirectly demonstrate tourist attractiveness will be paid for.
- Episodes demonstrating historical and cultural heritage.
- Also, images that shape the country’s positive image in the world.
- At the same time, the innovation will affect episodes filmed in the country, in pavilions, or created using computer graphics.
Context
- In recent years, Uzbekistan has been actively developing the tourism sector — for this, it is important to create conditions not only within the country but also in the foreign market.
- The development of a country’s image strongly influences the increase in tourist flow, the country’s attractiveness as a tourist destination.
- The film industry sphere is a convenient way to increase the level of attractiveness of the country in the world, a fast method of forming its image.
- Innovations are investments in increasing jobs, popularizing the country, and improving its tourist attractiveness.
