UZBEKISTAN: Uzbekistan Classified 5th Safest Country For Single tourists

The report was based on a survey of residents of 142 countries according to several criteria, among which were questions about how safe they feel when walking alone in the city at night, whether they trust the local police and whether they have been robbed or attacked.

Singapore has the highest security index (97 units). It is followed by Norway, Iceland and Finland, each with a safety index of 93 units.

According to the press service of the State Committee for Tourism of Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan ranked fifth in the ranking (91 units), followed by Hong Kong (91 units), Switzerland (91 units), Canada (90 units), Indonesia (89 units) and Denmark (88 units).

According to the legislation of the Republic of Uzbekistan foreign citizens and stateless persons can enter Uzbekistan or travel through its territory for transit on the basis of entrance visas only.

Foreign citizens and stateless persons can get visas at the diplomatic representations and consular missions of the Republic of Uzbekistan abroad on the basis of the visa support upon confirmation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

1. A bilateral visa-free regime has been established with Kyrgyzstan of up to 60 days, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Russia and Ukraine.

2. From February 10, 2018, a visa-free regime was introduced for 30 days period for citizens of 7 countries: Japan, Indonesia, Israel, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and Turkey.

The visa-free regime applies to citizens of these countries, holders of all categories of passports - diplomatic, service and civil planning to visit the Republic of Uzbekistan for up to 30 days, regardless of the purpose of their trip.

In order to enter the country, a person must have a valid national passport or another substitute document used for travel to foreign countries.

The visa-free regime does not apply to stateless persons permanently residing in the territories of these countries.

Accordingly, the visa-free regime is valid for 30 days from the date of entry into Uzbekistan. Before the end of the 30-day visa-free stay period, a foreign citizen must leave the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Exceeding the 30-day visa-free stay is recognized as violation of the Rules of stay of foreign citizens in the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Accordingly, if it is necessary to stay in Uzbekistan for more than 30 days, a foreign citizen must obtain an entry visa to the Republic of Uzbekistan in accordance with the established procedure, corresponding to the purpose of his trip.

3. From February 10, 2018, simplified procedure for issuing tourist visas is introduced for citizens of 39 countries as listed below.

That implies getting visa within two working days, not counting the day of receiving documents, with the cancellation of the requirement to provide a tourist voucher or an inviting legal / physical person in the Republic of Uzbekistan to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Previously, the simplified procedure for issuing visas was available for citizens of Austria, Belgium, Great Britain, Germany, Spain, Italy, Latvia, France, Switzerland, Thailand, Czech Republic and Poland.

Tourists from these countries are given multiple-entry visas for up to 1 month, and representatives of the business community for up to 1 year, without requiring a tour voucher or an invitation from an inviting legal or physical person in Uzbekistan to the Uzbek Foreign Ministry.

Visas are issued within 2 working days, not counting the day of receipt of documents.

4. A visa-free regime is established with China, Hungary and Tajikistan (up to 30 days), Vietnam and the Republic of Korea (up to 60 days), Brazil, Latvia, Poland, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Estonia, Kuwait and Turkey (up to 90 days).

Citizens of these countries who hold diplomatic passports and are accredited as employees of diplomatic missions or consular offices of their countries located on the territory of Uzbekistan, as well as members of their families have the right to enter and stay without visas for the entire period of work.

5. Uzbekistan and Japan issue visas without consular fees on the mutual basis.

6. According to the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan No.3836 of July 4, 2018 “On further measures for optimizing the order of entry of foreign citizens into the Republic of Uzbekistan” since July 15, 2018 these regulations are implemented:

- the system of issuing electronic entry tourist visas for foreign citizens, who enjoy a simplified procedure for issuing visa (list of countries is attached);

- short-term transit visa-free entry to the Republic of Uzbekistan for a period not exceeding five days for citizens of a number of countries (list of countries is attached). In this case the foreigners must transit through international airports of the Republic of Uzbekistan, provided they have an air ticket to a third country. This procedure applies transiting passengers wishing to explore the sights of Uzbekistan;

- visa-free entry to the Republic of Uzbekistan for foreign citizens up to 16 year old with biometric travel document. In this case they must be accompanied by legal representatives and they can stay in Uzbekistan for the duration of the visa of the accompanying person, but not more than ninety days since the date of entry into the country.

The list of countries whose citizens can enjoy simplified procedure for issuing tourist visa as well as on “e-visa.gov.uz”

1. Albania
2. Andorra
3. Australia
4. Austria
5. Belgium
6. Bosnia and Herzegovina
7. Bulgaria
8. Canada
9. China
10. Croatia
11. Czech Republic
12. Denmark
13. Estonia
14. Finland
15. France
16. Germany
17. Greece
18. Hungary
19. Iceland
20. India
21. Ireland
22. Italy
23. Kuwait
24. Latvia
25. Liechtenstein
26. Lithuania
27. Luxembourg
28. Macedonia
29. Malta
30. Monaco
31. Montenegro
32. Netherlands
33. New Zealand
34. Norway
35. Oman
36. Poland
37. Portugal
38. Romania
39. San Marino
40. Saudi Arabia
41. Serbia
42. Slovakia
43. Slovenia
44. Spain
45. Sweden
46. Switzerland
47. Thailand
48. United Arab Emirates
49. United Kingdom
50. United States of America
51. Vatican

The list of countries whose citizens can enjoy visa-free transit entry, stay up to 5 days

1. Albania
2. Algeria
3. Andorra
4. Antigua and Barbuda
5. Argentina
6. Australia
7. Austria
8. Bahamas
9. Bahrain
10. Barbados
11. Belgium
12. Belize
13. Bhutan
14. Bosnia and Herzegovina
15. Brazil
16. Brunei Darussalam
17. Bulgaria
18. Canada
19. Chile
20. China
21. Colombia
22. Costa Rica
23. Croatia
24. Cyprus
25. Czech Republic
26. Denmark
27. Dominica
28. Dominican Republic
29. Ecuador
30. Equatorial Guinea
31. Estonia
32. Fiji
33. Finland
34. France
35. Gabon
36. Germany
37. Greece
38. Grenada
39. Guatemala
40. Guyana
41. Honduras
42. Hungary
43. Iceland
44. India
45. Ireland
46. Italy
47. Jamaica
48. Kuwait
49. Latvia
50. Lebanon
51. Liechtenstein
52. Lithuania
53. Luxembourg
54. Macedonia
55. Maldives
56. Malta
57. Mauritius
58. Mexico
59. Monaco
60. Mongolia
61. Montenegro
62. Morocco
63. Nauru
64. Netherlands
65. New Zealand
66. Norway
67. Oman
68. Palau
69. Panama
70. Peru
71. Philippines
72. Poland
73. Portugal
74. Qatar
75. Romania
76. Saint Kitts and Nevis
77. Saint Lucia
78. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
79. San Marino
80. Saudi Arabia
81. Serbia
82. Seychelles
83. Slovakia
84. Slovenia
85. South Africa
86. Spain
87. Sri Lanka
88. Suriname
89. Sweden
90. Switzerland
91. Thailand
92. Trinidad and Tobago
93. Tunisia
94. Turkmenistan
95. United Arab Emirates
96. United Kingdom
97. United States of America
98. Uruguay
99. Vatican
100. Venezuela
101. Vietnam

The nationals of those countries which are not mentioned above should have a visa support - letter of invitation to obtain tourist visa to Uzbekistan.

Letter of invitation will be issued on the basis of visa application form and other documents submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan by our company on the behalf of the tourist.

The legislation of the Republic of Uzbekistan has set the following consular fees for the visa issuance:

a) For single entry visas:

· up to 7 days — $40;
· up to 15 days — $50;
· up to 30 days — $60;
· up to 3 months — $80;
· up to 6 months — $120;
· up to 1 year — $160.

Note: For each additional entry the fee shall be increased by $10.

b) For multiple entry visas:

· up to 6 months — $150;
· up to 1 year — $250.

c) For transit visas:

· up to 72 hours — $40;
· double entry transit visa — $50.

d) For group visas (groups must consist of more than 5 persons excluding children under 16 years old):

· up to 15 days — $15 per person;
· up to 30 days — $25 per person.

Except these fees the fees for reimbursement of actual expenses related to the visa issuance (administrative fees) will also be paid. The rates of these fees depend on the place of visa issuance (irrespective of applicant’s citizenship).

Note: Different procedure for issuance of entry visas may be applied to the citizens of those countries that have appropriate bilateral agreements with Uzbekistan.

Letter of Invitation to Uzbekistan (LOI)

To get a Letter of Invitation to Uzbekistan (LOI), please do the following:

- Fill out Uzbekistan Visa Support / Letter of Invitation (LOI) Form: Download Form

- Email us a good quality scan of your passport

- Email us a scan of an employment letter (retirees and housewives don't need it)

Flight tickets itinerary or flight reservation form is required only if visa is to be obtained on arrival at the International Airports of Uzbekistan.

Once we have received all above required documents and payment, we will submit your documents for approval by the Uzbek authorities. The approval period is about 3-5 working days.

Many travel agents "make" tourists to buy a tour package with a fixed itinerary. Our company doesn't "make" you do that.

Once your application is approved we will send you Visa Application Form and Letter of Invitation (LOI). As soon as you receive the papers you can apply for your Uzbek visa at the requested Embassy.

Why do 84% of tourists choose us?
Check mark Letter of invitation (LOI) without any extra services
Check mark The 2019 year's best price for Letter of invitation (LOI)
Check mark Reputation. We’re reliable, well known and people recommend us
Check mark 24 hour customer service
Check mark Instant answers to your questions
Check mark Big and professional team
Check mark Payment on arrival
Check mark Providing free local SIM card
Check mark Providing free transfers

Cities and countries where an Uzbek visa can be obtained:
Abu Dhabi - The United Arab Emirates
Almaty - Kazakhstan
Ankara - Turkey
Ashkhabad - Turkmenistan
Athens - Greece
Baku - Azerbaijan
Bangkok - Thailand
Beijing - China
Berlin - Germany
Bishkek - Kyrgyzstan
Brussels - Belgium
Bukhara - Uzbekistan
Cairo - Egypt
Dubai - The United Arab Emirates
Dushanbe - Tajikistan
Frankfurt am Main - Germany
Islamabad - Pakistan
Istanbul - Turkey
Jakarta - Indonesia
Jeddah - Saudi Arabia
Kabul - Afghanistan
Kiev - Ukraine
Kuala Lumpur - Malaysia
Kuwait - Kuwait
London - The United Kingdom
Madrid - Spain
Mazare-Sharif - Afghanistan
Moscow - Russia
New Delhi - India
New York - The United States
Novosibirsk - Russia
Nukus - Uzbekistan
Paris - France
Riga - Latvia
Riyadh - Saudi Arabia
Rome - Italy
Samarkand - Uzbekistan
Seoul - South Korea
Shanghai - China
Singapore - Singapore
Tashkent Airport - Uzbekistan
Tashkent MFA - Uzbekistan
Tehran - Iran
Tel Aviv - Israel
Termez - Uzbekistan
Tokyo - Japan
Urgench - Uzbekistan
Vienna - Austria
Warsaw - Poland
Washington - The United States

- Children under 12 – half price.

- 10$ for each additional entry, double or triple entry visa.

- 100$ for visa extension up to 7 days - EXIT VISA.


Tourism Observer

ARMENIA: Alamo Expanding To Armenia And Georgia

Enterprise Holdings Inc. today announced its entrance into Armenia with new franchise partner TravelCar, as well as the partnership’s intention to soon operate in the nearby country of Georgia.

In the coming months, the Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car brands will be available to customers in Armenia’s capital, Yerevan, which also serves the country’s main international airport.

TravelCar is an Armenian-based car rental business with a strong reputation for delivering exceptional customer service throughout the region.

During the next 12 months, additional locations will be opened in Armenia, as well as ones in the neighboring country of Georgia to serve its capital, Tbilisi, and principal airport.

Enterprise and TravelCar are well aligned in that they are both committed to the highest standards of customer service, said Arsen Sukiasyan, General Manager and Co-Founder, TravelCar.

Both organizations are driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, and we look forward to continuing that same tradition of excellence as we grow throughout Armenia and Georgia.

The franchise partnership with TravelCar is part of Enterprise’s wider strategy to build a robust network of transportation services that deliver value, choice and outstanding customer service to business and leisure travelers around the globe.

Our growth in Europe and the Middle East is a reflection of the global reputation and strength of our brands,said Peter A. Smith, Vice President of Global Franchising at Enterprise Holdings.

This partnership in Armenia and Georgia is the latest example of our efforts to ensure our loyal leisure and corporate customers can enjoy the high quality customer service they have come to expect from Enterprise, National and Alamo no matter where they are traveling in the world.

During the last five years, Enterprise Holdings has rapidly expanded the presence of its three car rental brands in Europe and the Middle East.

In the beginning of 2012, Enterprise operated in just three European countries — the UK, Ireland and Germany.

Today, it is available in more than 40 countries throughout Europe and the Middle East.

Enterprise Holdings currently operates in more than 85 countries and territories worldwide.

History of Alamo Rent A Car

1974 Alamo Rent A Car opens four locations in Florida, pioneering the concept of Unlimited Free Mileage. Immediately carving its niche in the leisure car rental industry, Alamo focuses its mission on providing a fun, low-cost, high-value rental experience to family and leisure travelers. The brand quickly becomes one of the country’s largest vacation rental providers and the largest provider to international travelers visiting North America.

1982 To facilitate the increase in leisure travelers, Alamo constructs its first state-of-the-art rental plaza in Tampa, Fla. Rental plazas serve hundreds of customers per hour in a modern, ultra-spacious environment. More plazas follow in other major leisure destinations including Orlando, Fla., home of the world’s largest rental facility.

1985 Alamo introduces a new customized rental agreement the size of an airline ticket, and Instant Alamo Rent A Car, a program that stores a traveler’s individual rental information for instant reference.

1990 Alamo revolutionizes collision damage waivers by introducing the first-ever price and coverage option for all renters. Alamo creates three new consumer-driven optional collision damage waiver products in Florida, named Waiver Savers®, which provide customers with three choices of price and coverage options tailored to their needs.

1995 Alamo launches the industry’s first real-time Internet booking engine. Customers can visit Alamo.com to find locations, view rates and select their vehicle. Soon, Alamo.com expands to include a membership-services section and travel tools to find the weather, driving directions and fun activities for children to enjoy on their road trip.

1998 Alamo launches E-Process 2000, a group of technologically enhanced initiatives for tour operators, including electronic reservation links on the company’s website, voucher-less rental processing and electronic billing.

2002 Alamo announces a partnership with Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, making it the official rent a car company of the most frequented tourist attractions in North America.

2005 Alamo launches the industry’s first and only online check-in system.

2007 Alamo is acquired by the Taylor Family of St. Louis, which today also owns and operates Enterprise Holdings. Alamo earns Budget Travel magazine’s “Extra Mile Award” for its self-serve kiosks.

2011 Alamo launches a partnership with Japan Airlines (JAL) which allows members of JAL’s frequent flyer program to earn miles when renting from any participating Alamo location in the U.S. and Canada.

2012 A new Alamo branch in downtown Waikiki opens, adding to existing Alamo locations at the Honolulu International Airport, the Disney Aulani Resort & Spa and Waikiki Discovery Bay.

2013 Alamo expands its Latin American – Caribbean footprint, entering Uruguay.

Today Alamo’s commitment to the leisure travel market has fostered longstanding partnerships with the airline industry, travel destinations, travel agents and tour operators around the world.

Alamo’s operations have since expanded throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America and Asia.

Alamo Rent A Car is operated by Enterprise Holdings Inc. – the largest car rental company in the world – through an integrated global network of regional subsidiaries and franchise locations. Enterprise Holdings also owns the Enterprise Rent-A-Car brand, which is known for its extensive network of locations, affordable rates and outstanding customer service.

Enterprise Car Sales is a service of the Enterprise Rent-A-Car brand. All Enterprise Car Sales customers receive the exceptional service that is a hallmark of the Enterprise brand.

This includes haggle-free pricing; Enterprise Car Sales clearly marks its no-haggle price on every vehicle and backs it up with a commitment to worry-free ownership. A free CARFAX® Vehicle History Report™ is available for every vehicle as well.

Plus, every vehicle has passed a rigorous inspection, inside and out, conducted by an ASE-certified technician.

With more than 130 locations nationwide, Enterprise Car Sales features more than 250 makes and models of high-quality, late-model used cars, trucks, vans and SUVs – most of which have been selected from Enterprise Holdings’ U.S. fleet of more than 1.1 million vehicles.*

QATAR: Qatar Airways Flying Nonstop To Tbilisi, Georgia From Hamad International Airport

Qatar Airways celebrated the launch of new direct flights from Doha to Tbilisi, increasing travel options to and from Georgia, while enhancing overall journey times.

Qatar Airways now operates four direct flights to Tbilisi from Doha’s Hamad International Airport, complementing the existing seven weekly flights that operate via Baku in Azerbaijan.

Operated by a Qatar Airways Airbus A320 aircraft, the new direct scheduled flight time of just over three hours from Doha sees overall journey times drop significantly across the airline’s global network to and from this increasingly popular tourist destination, complemented by seamless transfers through the airline’s global home and hub, Hamad International Airport, in the State of Qatar.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said we are delighted to celebrate the launch of direct flights to Tbilisi, offering Georgian citizens shorter journey times to more than 150 destinations around the world.

As both an economical and cultural hub, our new shorter flight times will attract many business and leisure passengers alike, while our tagged service via Baku will continue to offer a quick and efficient link between Azerbaijan and Georgia.

Qatar Airways also increased service to Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, from a four to five weekly service on 15 December, with an additional frequency each week due to the popularity of the route which was first inaugurated in May 2016.

The Airbus A320 aircraft offers a two-class configuration of 12 seats in Business Class and 132 seats in Economy, featuring individual television screens providing all passengers in both cabins with the next generation interactive onboard entertainment system Oryx One with 3,000 different entertainment options.

Qatar Airways Business Class is widely recognized as an industry leader recently receiving two significant accolades at the 2016 Skytrax World Airline Awards, with passengers choosing Qatar Airways as the World’s Best Business Class and also Best Business Class Airline Lounge in the Middle East.

Qatar Airways is one of the fastest growing airlines in aviation history with a network of over 150 exciting destinations.

In 2016 travellers continued to see Qatar Airways expand its global reach, with services launched to Adelaide (Australia), Atlanta (USA), Birmingham (UK), Boston (USA), Los Angeles (USA), Marrakech (Morocco), Pisa (Italy), Ras Al Khaimah (UAE), Sydney (Australia), Windhoek (Namibia), Yerevan (Armenia), Krabi (Thailand) and the Seychelles.

IRAN: American Citizens Barred From Visiting Iran In Retaliation To President Trump's Decree On Travel To USA

Iran seeks to lift visa restrictions with a number of countries in an effort to help boost the mutual tourism ties with the target countries.

The country plans to abolish visas for travelers from 36 countries, including tourists from Russia, said Iranian Vice President for Cultural Heritage and Tourism Zahra Ahmadipour.

A full list of countries is not named yet.

Currently, Russians who plan to visit Iran are obliged to obtain entry visas in advance in the consular department of the Iranian Embassy in Moscow. The term of visa issuance is less than 10 days, the fee is €35.

In July 2016, Iran increased its visa on arrival extension from 1 month to 3 months, while citizens of 190 countries can obtain visa on arrival at the country’s airports with one-month validation.

Also, the citizens of Turkey, Lebanon, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Bolivia, Egypt, Syria and Armenia can travel to Iran and stay in the country without visa from 15 to 90 days under the visa requirement regulations.

Meanwhile, the Iranian Foreign Ministry declared that for now, American citizens will be barred from entering their country.

The Islamic Republic announced that they have decided to bar Americans from entering their territory in response to US President Trump’s new decree to halt the entry of citizens from 7 majority Muslim countries including Iran.

“The ban is a clear insult to the Islamic world and especially to the wonderful Iranian nation,” the Iranian side said.

INDONESIA: Kenya Among Indonesia’s Visa-free Partners In Travel Targeting 20 Million Tourists

Kenyans are free to travel to Indonesia without tourist visas, according to the latest directive issued by the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Indonesian government has offered visa-free travel for a group of countries including Kenya, hoping to pull in more numbers and boost its faltering tourism sector.

So far, tourists from 174 countries no longer need visas to enter the Asian nation. The latest group of countries offered the facility include Australia, Brazil, Ukraine, Kenya, Uzbekistan, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Palestine, Honduras, and Pakistan.

Others are Mongolia, Sierra Leone, Uruguay, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Costa Rica, Albania, Mozambique, Macedonia, El Salvador, Zambia, Moldova, Madagascar, Georgia, Namibia, Kiribati, Armenia, Bolivia, Bhutan, Guatemala, Mauritania, and Paraguay.

“Offering visa-free travel is one of the easiest ways to boost tourist numbers,” Indonesian Tourism minister Arief Yahya was quoted as saying by the country’s local media.

Indonesia is known for its volcanic islands and scenic beaches. The country hopes to chalk up 20 million foreign tourists in 2019, doubling the 2015 record.

Visa-free travel will only be available through five international airports in Jakarta, Medan, Batam, Bali and Surabaya, and would come with tighter monitoring to minimise misuse of the facility, an Indonesian government official has said, adding foreign tourists found smuggling illegal goods, such as drugs, would face serious penalties.

The country’s President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has repeatedly said the visa-free travel is offered to boost the country’s tourism industry.

Kenya and Indonesia enjoy cordial relations and have had diplomatic ties since 1982. Diplomatic ties between the two countries began in July 1979, and in April 1982 Indonesia opened an Embassy in Nairobi.

The Kenyan High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is accredited to Indonesia and In April, 2015 the Government of Kenya appointed Mr Bilal Asif as the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Kenya to Indonesia.

Foreign Affairs secretary Amina Mohamed said recently Kenya is seeking to forge a strong partnership with the two countries.

“Kenya considers Indonesia an important partner and has identified and expressed interest in opening a mission in your country. In the meantime, Mr Bilal Asif was appointed as the Honorary Consul of Kenya early last year and we hope that the Government of Indonesia is granting him the necessary support to carry out his mandate,” said Ms Mohamed.

She spoke in Nairobi during the farewell lunch in honour of Mr Sunu Soemarno, who was the outgoing Indonesian ambassador in early 2016. She said: “Kenya, like Indonesia, is outward looking to have a diversified and growing economy that creates a lot of opportunities. We look forward to the review of the JCC that was signed on 3rd December, 2008. I believe this will bring on board new areas for co-operation between Kenya and your great country.”

The countries have signed bilateral agreements for co-operation in various fields, notable among them the agreement on economic, scientific, technical and cultural co-operation signed in Nairobi on September 2, 1992, an MOU on establishment of Joint Commission signed on June 19, 2008.

The two nations also signed Agreed Minutes for Joint Commission for Co-operation signed on 3rd December, 2008 besides Bilateral Air Services Agreement signed in 2007 and an MoU on Fisheries Co-operation signed in 2009.

According to the Export Promotion Council, the bi-lateral trade between Kenya and Indonesia is heavily in favour of Indonesia, with the trade balance rising from $272.6 million in 2007 to $327.3 million in 2009 and $491.4 million in 2011.


Kenya’s exports to Indonesia amounted to $24.9 million and accounted for only 0.4 per cent of Kenya’s total exports in 2011.

The exports to Indonesia fluctuated over the period between 2007 and 2011 and the export products included soda ash, black tea, tobacco and products, sheep skin leather and dried leguminous vegetables. Imports from Indonesia amounted to $516.3 million in 2011 and accounted for 3.4 per cent of Kenya’s total imports.

The main import products include crude palm oil, industrial chemicals, refrigerator, yarns, natural rubber and paper and paperboard.

RUSSIA: Pobeda Airlines Gets Approval To Fly From Moscow To Gyumri In Armenia

Pobeda Airlines has received approval for flights from Moscow to Gyumri - the second largest city of Armenia”, - according to the data of the Federal Air Transport Agency.

The approval is issued on flights seven times a week. Earlier, Pobeda has received approval for flights from Rostov-on-Don to Yerevan.

“Also, since November 16 the carrier will perform the regular flights from Samara airport "Kurumoch" the part of the "Airports of Regions” holding to Alma-Ata”.

The daily scheduled flights to Alma-Ata returns after a one-year pause, earlier “Air Astana” ceased the flights on this route.

Pobeda is low-cost carrier of "Aeroflot" group. The flights are performed by 12 Boeing-737-800 aircraft to 58 destinations, including 8 international (as well through Fly & Bus service).

ARMENIA: EU Project Improves Cycling Tourism In Armenia

Cycling guides will gather in the Armenian village of Margahovit between 19 and 21 July for a workshop on cycling tourism held in the framework of the EU-funded project on biking and rural combined cross-border tourism, as an innovative approach for promoting cross-border cooperation. The project is part of the Eastern Partnership Territorial Cooperation (EaP TC) Programme. The participants of the three-day event will also watch a presentation on prepared tours and share their cycling tourism experience during thematic discussions.

The EU-funded EaP TC Programme aims to promote and strengthen territorial cooperation between regional and local state authorities, communities and civil society organisations in the Eastern Neighbourhood. This cooperation involves developing joint solutions to common social and economic development challenges in the participating border regions.

The project, funded by EU Eastern Partnership Territorial Cooperation Program, aims at bringing together bikers and bicycle lovers from Armenia and Georgia together with “NGO Center” in Vanadzor and Georgian partner “Center for Caucasus Tourism Georgia”.

In the frames of the initiative camping bases will also be established and the bikers will have all the necessary information and guidance with the help of maps, booklets and vocabularies specifically designed to facilitate the process of going from Armenia to Georgia and to help tourists.

Armen is from Vanadzor. This year he has finally bought a bicycle and now Armen is looking forward for this project. “My friends and I have a lot of ideas about bike travel. In the nearest future we plan to ride to Georgia. Although the condition of the roads is bad, we have already had such an experience…”, Armen noted. For young people like him, the road renovation and creation of favorable conditions for bicycle tourism is going to be one of the main achievements of this program. But this is not the only objective of the project. The expected outcome includes also development of rural cross-border tourism between Armenia and Georgia. The project will create a touristic platform for all the interested parties, and will provide biking packages in both countries.

Mrs. Arpine Hakobyan, head of the NGO Center of Vanadzor, noted that they have already finished the process of research and gathering representatives from all possible target sectors. “Right now the works of preparing 4 bike tour-packages combining biking and rural tourism across Armenia and Georgia is almost completed. The booklets will be published soon. We haves started to build the website of the project where there will be comprehensive information about the project objectives, events, latest developments”, she says.
Mrs. Zara Nikoghosyan, the project coordinator mentioned, “The classes of basic English languages skills for tour-guides and farmers are in the process now. It’s important for them to be able to communicate with the tourists.”

As planned, the works for establishing two camping base in each country are proceeding as well. “We have agreed with the head of Dsegh village in Lori, Armenia and soon the construction work will start”, Mrs. Zara Nikoghosyan says. Another camping base will be built in Borjomi.

According to Mrs. Syuzan Hovsepyan, head of grant programs at “NGO Center” they have been provided with some space by Vanadzor municipality to set up bicycle rental and repair centers.

By implementing biking and rural combined cross-border tourism cooperation project a number of important changes in the region are expected to come up, such as – renovation of the roads as well as development of transport economy.

On July 19-21, 2016, the village of Margahovit, Armenia, will host an exclusive three-day training for cycling guides under the EU grant project «Biking and rural combined cross-border tourism, as innovative approach for promoting cross-border cooperation».

The participants of the training will have a chance to learn more about the cycling tourism in the region, watch a presentation on prepared tours and will share their experience during thematic discussions.

In addition, on July 20, the local youth will be able to participate in the cycling training and learn to ride a bike under the guidance of an experienced cyclist Vazgen Galstyan.

The project «Biking and rural combined cross-border tourism, as innovative approach for promoting cross-border cooperation» is implemented in the framework of the Eastern Partnership Territorial Cooperation Programme (EaPTC) with the financial assistance from the European Union.

ARMENIA: Armenia, Kuwait Sign Tourism And Agriculture Cooperation Pact For 2015-2017

Armenia and Kuwait have signed a tourism and agriculture cooperation program for 2015-2017, the press office of the Armenian government reported on Wednesday.

The Armenian premier-headed delegation is in Kuwait, invited by the head of Kuwaiti government Jaber al-Mubarak al-Hamad al-Sabah.

The agreement was signed by the minister of economy Karen Chshmarityan and minister of agriculture Sergo Karapetyan from the Armenian side, and by minister of trade and industry Abdel Muhsin Al-Mudij and the first vice-premier and foreign minister sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah.

The sides stressed the importance of intensified efforts from the Armenian-Kuwaiti intergovernmental commission. Opportunities for cooperation other fields, including industry and infrastructures, were discussed as well.

The delegations considered possible arrangement of direct flights between the two countries. Armenia’s premier Hovik Abrahamyan invited his Kuwaiti counterpart to visit Armenia.

QATAR: Qatar Airways To Commence Doha-Armenia Flights From May 15

Qatar Airways (QA) has announced that it will offer four-times weekly non-stop flights between Doha and Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, from May 15.

At the launch of QA’s new scheduled service to Los Angeles this month, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker said passengers on the new direct service to and from Yerevan will benefit from easier access to the rest of the world via QA’s global network.

QA’s expanding global reach, including its newest US destinations of Los Angeles, Boston and Atlanta this year and significant growth of its modern fleet has enabled the airline to offer the new service to Armenia.

Situated along the Hrazdan River, Yerevan is the administrative, cultural and industrial centre of Armenia and offers visiting business and leisure passengers a rich and diverse history. With a city backdrop of the snow-capped Caucasus mountain range, Yerevan is one of the world’s oldest continuously-inhabited cities and its diverse architecture and atmosphere is easily explored on foot.

Al Baker said: “QA has seen unprecedented growth in recent years, launching new destinations around the globe while establishing our new home and hub Hamad International Airport (HIA).

“With the new service to Yerevan, QA is enhancing its worldwide footprint and expanding travel opportunities for business and leisure passengers.”

Passengers flying from Yerevan and onwards to any of QA’s more than 150 destinations will enjoy a quick and convenient transfer at HIA, the newest airport hub in the world. Offering over 100 retail and dining options and unique services such as a swimming pool, hotel and spa for those in transit, the airport is sure to further enhance passengers’ overall travel experience.

CITY OF YEREVAN

QA will fly the A320 aircraft direct to and from Yerevan on the four-weekly schedule, featuring a two-class cabin configuration comprising 12 seats in Business Class and 132 in Economy Class.

QA is one of the fastest growing airlines operating one of the youngest fleets in the world.

Now in its 19th year of operations, QA has a modern fleet of 175 aircraft flying to over 150 key business and leisure destinations across six continents.

QA has won awards, including being voted by passengers as the Airline of the Year for the third time and Best Airline in the Middle East for the ninth time at the 2015 Skytrax Awards in June.

Schedule: Non-stop Doha to/from Yerevan (all times local)

Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays: QR 285 departs Doha at 20:25 and arrives in Yerevan at 00:40+1

Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays: QR 286 departs Yerevan at 03:25 and arrives in Doha at 05:30.

TAJIKISTAN: More Than 147 Thousand Tourists Visited Tajikistan

A. Abdullozod, a chairman of the Committee of Sports, Youth and Tourism in the Government, presented the data regarding the tourism sphere.

More than 147 thousand tourists visited Tajikistan during the last 6 month.

Every tourist spent $500 in average during his trip. As a result, the tourism sector attracted more than 73 million dollars to the economy of the country. It’s a good result compared with previous years.

Most of the tourists come from South Korea, Armenia, Turkey, China, USA, Russia, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. Citizens of these countries are very interested in the history of the country, its cultural heritage and traditions.

ARMENIA: Armenia Caucasus Senses

OVERVIEW

A perfect combination of two fascinating and friendly Caucasus countries of Armenia and Georgia both filled with ancient history and beautiful landscapes. Enjoy learning of their similarities and differences ranging from their influences, architecture, food and traditions whilst visiting the culturally significant sites.


PRICE


£869 per person


DATES

June 12 – June 22

July 03 – July 13

July 17 – July 27

July 31- August 10

August 14 – August 24

August 21 – August 31

September 04 – September 14

September 18 – September 28

October 02 – October 12

October 16 – October 26

November 06 – November 16


YOUR EXPERIENCE

Day 1: Departure from home country
Day 2 / Sat: Arrival - Yerevan city tour - Etchmiadzin - Zvartnots
Day 3: Yerevan - Garni - Geghard - Vernisage
Day 4: Yerevan - Khor Virap - Noravank - Yerevan
Day 5: Yerevan - Lake Sevan - Haghpat - Sadakhlo border - Tbilisi
Day 6: Tbilisi
Day 7: Tbilisi - Mtskheta - Gori - Kutais
Day 8: Kutaisi - Akhaltsikhe
Day 9: Akhaltsikhe - Vardzia - Paravani Lake - Tbilisi
Day 10: Free day for optional excursions
Day 11: Departure


ACCOMMODATION

Silachi Hotel in Yerevan or Artsakh Hotel

Sharden Hotel or KMM Hotel in Tbilisi



Upgrades options possible – please enquire



INCLUDES

4 x overnight in hotel in Yerevan

4 x overnight in hotel in Tbilisi

1 x overnight in guesthouse in Kutaisi

1 x overnight in guesthouse in Akhaltsikhe

Airport/hotel transfer Yerevan

All activities and entrance fees as per program

Catering half board: breakfast at the hotels + 1 lunch + 2 dinners

1 bottle of water per person per day

Transportation as per program in a comfortable A/C car/Minivan/Sprinter


EXCLUDES

Flights

Travel insurance

Meals except described

Armenia/Georgia visa fee, if applicable

Hotel/Airport transfer in Georgia (£24 per person)

Alcoholic beverages

Portage

Tips

UAE: Flydubai And Air Astana To Fly, Dubai And Astana

The low cost airline flydubai and the national airline Air Astana from Kazakhstan both open a new route between Dubai and Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan.

As of October 26, 2015, flydubai will link four times a week Dubai and Astana, a road where she will meet competition from Air Astana, too newcomer. Flydubai flight, operated by Boeing 737-800, leave every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 21:00 and arrive in Dubai 3:24 (4:25 flight), the return flight starting again on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at 4:25 and arrived at 7:20.

In a similar move, Air Astana also inaugurate on October 26 its route between Dubai and Astana, it will operate Airbus A320 configured for 148 passengers with 16 in Business Class, every Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Sunday departing at 15.05 Astana (arriving in Dubai at 18:00), the return flight from Dubai to 19h starting again for a landing in Kazakhstan at 1:30 am the next day. Recall that these two companies also compete on the axis between Almaty and Dubai.

Flydubai has launched operations to Kazakhstan in September 2014, with flights to Almaty and Shymkent. Astana becomes the ninth destination in its network in the region of Central Asia Caucasus where it accounts for 38 weekly flights from Dubai (to cities in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.) It operates a fleet 50 B737-800 -and notably ordered 75 Boeing 737 MAX 8 - serving 95 destinations across 46 countries.

For its part, Air Astana has a fleet of 30 aircraft (13 aircraft of the A320 family, 5 B757-200, B767-300ER 3 and 9 Embraer 190), serving 65 destinations including Paris-CDG. It also has on order 7 A320 neo Family and 3 787-8 Dreamliner.