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CBT-tourism (Community Based Tourism) is one of the sectors of the tourism industry that focuses on the use of natural and other resources of the countryside and its specifics to create a comprehensive tourist product. This type of tourism is a relatively new phenomenon for the domestic tourism industry. However, rural tourism in Uzbekistan has deep historical roots, and the development of its types and subspecies is quite promising.

Today, CBT tourism is actively developing in the Republic of Uzbekistan. The number of family guest houses is growing and the range of offers for fans of outdoor recreation is expanding. The implementation of the rich potential of CBT tourism in Uzbekistan is facilitated by the activities of the European Union project «Strengthening rural and ecotourism through business associations for sustainable economic development in Central Asia». This project is implemented in our country by the Association of private tourism agencies of Uzbekistan (APTA).

Within the framework of this project, week-long training seminars are organized in the regions of the country that have a great potential for CBT tourism development, which gather entrepreneurs who have expressed interest and readiness to master a new type of business.

This year, seminars have already been held in Surkhandarya, Kashkadarya and Samarkand regions. The next point for the landing of APTA trainers was the Ferghana region.

Ferghana Valley is a unique corner of Central Asia. A dense irrigation network has turned the valley into a fertile land. No wonder it is called the pearl of Uzbekistan. Almost all types of its landscapes are represented here. The amazing nature of the valley charms with a variety of colors: from the dark gray sands of Central Fergana to the emerald green cotton fields and bright green high alpine meadows to the peaks crowned with snow-white caps. The southern part of this valley is occupied by the Ferghana region. Here the climate is the mildest in Uzbekistan, in the summer the heat is relatively moderate, there are no severe winters. Therefore, the number of tourists who choose this region of the country as a destination point is constantly growing.

The Altyaryk region of the Ferghana region has its loyal fans.

Altyaryk region is one of the main suppliers of grapes from the Ferghana Valley. Within its boundaries are extensive plantations occupying large areas. The unique nature and rich traditions of viticulture attract tourists both from other regions of Uzbekistan and from foreign countries. In addition to the vineyards, which have become the «calling card» of the Altaiaryk region, CBT tourism lovers are very interested in sand therapy and medical procedures on the sandy hills of Zielsky Sands.

In addition to the therapeutic effect, travelers can admire the unique flora and fauna of the object. In this area there are a lot of interesting objects that can attract the interest of tourists. It was for the owners of family guest houses located in the Altyaryk region, with the support of the State Committee for Tourism, a training seminar was organized.

The training program included topics necessary for the effective operation of guest houses.

Participants of the event noted that CBT tourism has great potential, both in tourism and in the development of small business. International experience shows that the tourism component can become a «catalyst» for rural economic growth. This type of tourism allows creating new jobs in rural areas, stimulates to some extent the development of rural infrastructure, and raises and develops the cultural and educational level of the local population. The development of this type of tourism helps to strengthen the rural economy, creates additional jobs in the hospitality industry, reduces the outflow of local people to cities, raises the cultural and intellectual level of villagers, and stimulates the production of environmentally friendly food.