OREANDA-NEWS. November 07, 2011. Zaaming district of Jizzakh region (central part of Uzbekistan) has significant tourism potential. This was announced within the 17th Tashkent International Tourism Fair "Tourism on the Silk Road".

As reported earlier, the 17th Tashkent International Tourism Fair "Tourism on the Silk Road" started at the pavilions of Uzexpocenter on 2 November 2011. The exhibition will last till 4 November 2011.

Zaamin is 3000 meters above sea level and located in the mountainous area of the Djizak region. The ruins of castles on its landscape attest to the region’s ancient historical presence. Legends and stories of these lands have been passed down from generation to generation for centuries until today. But first of all, these highlands are uniquely renowned for their nature, its coniferous forests, and its fresh, rejuvenating and healing air, among other natural resources. It is no accident that Zaamin’s juniper forests are nominated to the UNESCO World Heritage List as there are no comparable massive juniper forests in other parts of Central Asia. There are also many recreational resources and activities in the area with a lot of potential for further tourism development.

Aziza Umarova, head of Good Governance Unit of UNDP Uzbekistan, said that UNDP’s “Local Governance Support Project: Partnership and Participation” (LGSP) developed exemplary brand and marketing strategies, including an original logo and tagline to increase the familiarity and visual perception of Zaamin as a tourism destination. Brand was developed by Cherepaha Brand Agency.

The project is realized in initiatives of the administrations of Jizzakh region and Zaamin district at the support of the UNDP, Cabinet of Ministers and Uzbektourism national company.

The project has been started in 2011 and envisages to stimulate creation of tourism infrastructure and popularization of Zaamin among local and foreign tourists.

According to the UNDP materials, it is planned to create guest houses, seasonal tea houses, develop routes for ecologic tourism, training of local population, green shops, etc.

The project representatives noted that national guest houses were created in several villages and they are ready to accept tourists.

It was said that Zaamin tourism zone will be positioned as ecologic clean region, which differs from other zones with primitive look and has unique ecologic resources.

The LGSP team arranged several events to demonstrate the hidden touristic potential of Zaamin. In particular, a special presentation session was organized for potential investors, representatives of tourism companies, international development organizations and governmental organizations in order to familiarize them with the tourism and investment opportunities of Zaamin.

The presentation was followed by a master-class in the national dishes pavilion, where participants had an opportunity to watch preparations of typical local dishes like “kazan patir” (a special type of bread made with eco-butter) and “tandir kabob” (meat prepared in a clay oven). The guests were treated to a mini-concert and performance by the “Zaamin asalalari” ensemble presenting traditional dances from Zaamin.

The region’s traditions and customs were demonstrated by craftsman from Zaamin in the “Uzexpocenter” Atrium. The guests also could learn more about Zaamin in the uniquely decorated exhibition stand, reflecting the district’s enchanting nature.