In recent years, special attention has been given to the development of the tourism sector in Uzbekistan and the advancement of tourism and hospitality services to international standards. In this regard, the Resolution of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. 135, dated 26 April 2023, “On additional measures for the accelerated development of the tourism potential of the republic and further increase in the number of domestic and foreign tourists,” was adopted.
Every year in September, the Management Development Institute of Singapore in Tashkent, with the support of the State Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Tourism Development and the Youth Affairs Agency of Uzbekistan, organises the international youth festival “Millennials Tourism Festival”. The event aims to promote tourism at both regional and international levels, while also serving as a platform for intercultural exchange and the development of partnerships between countries and universities.
Since 2018, the festival has attracted representatives from leading universities in Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Tajikistan, and Turkey, as well as local higher education institutions, including the International University of Tourism “Silk Road”, Samarkand State Institute of Foreign Languages, Urgench State University, and Bukhara State University.
As part of the 2025 programme, the IV Millennials Tourism Festival was held at MDIST from 23 to 26 August. On the opening day, an international conference titled “Tourism Prospects: Innovation and Sustainability” brought together academic and industry representatives from multiple countries.
The second day featured a study visit to Parkent district in cooperation with the Tashkent regional administration. Participants explored the “Physics-Sun” Institute, the natural landscapes of Sukak village, and vineyards in Zarkent, alongside a presentation of Uzbek national cuisine as part of gastronomic tourism development.
On the third day, masterclasses and practical training sessions in hospitality were organised at Husma & Spa Hotel. A guest session was delivered by a representative of Manas University, focusing on creative methodologies and academic exchange.
The festival concluded with a masterclass on preparing traditional Tashkent wedding plov, followed by a gala dinner. All participants were awarded certificates and commemorative gifts on behalf of the MDIST Rector.
