Trip to Rishtan in the framework of the "Strengthening rural and community tourism Business Intermediary Organisations for Inclusive Economic Development in Central Asia" project

‘Strengthening rural and community tourism Business Intermediary Organisations for Inclusive Economic Development in Central Asia´

The main purpose of trip was enhancing the potential of CBT tourism in Rishtan. As we know Rishtan is one of the oldest city in Uzbekistan and also residence for many well-known ceramic craftsman. Uzbekistan is an attractive destination for visitors who appreciate historical monuments and ceramics. Increasing number of tourists who are willing to visit Rishtan influence the craftsman to work more and productively.

Generally it was 1 day trip and we went to Rishtan in August 13. Than we met with 70 businessmen and craftsmen from Rishtan. Seminar was held in a very positive way with a lot of discussions regarding to attract foreign visitors to Rishtan. Within the seminar a presentation about the project was done. Seminar was organized very well and all participants got responds to their questions.

After lunch we visited 8 houses of handcrafts and found out that they have enough potential to increase CBT tourism. Because there is no any hotels in Rishtan. Out of these 8 houses 2 are ready to invite foreign visitors. Now they accept only local visitors. They have all necessary stuff to fulfill visitors demand. Taking into account the fact that there is no any hotel in Rishtan we hope that we can increase CBT tourism through these houses. Because, at the same time visitors can live in a hostel 1and also admire of the beauty of ceramics.  Below I`ll give brief information about houses that we visited.

The first place we visited is the house of one of the best master of ceramics in Rishtan Mr.Said. He has already prepared his accommodation for tourists. It consists from 5 rooms. There are also another conveniences, such as cooking plow and bread, showroom and workshop where master shows process of producing ceramics. Visitors are provided with separate toilette and bath-room. His house is situated in a beautiful place with a fresh weather where visitors can feel all fascination of our country. His house is full with ceramics. But there are some barriers that must be solved. But in general positive side of this house is better than drawbacks. If we can collaborate with Mr.Said and give our assistance, we are sure that they can achieve desired results. He has special program for foreign tourists (Attachment 2). Mr.Botirov, who visited with me, has already downloaded some videos to YouTube.

Below is the links:

       1 film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlsGLzCKgvM&feature=youtu.be

       2 film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAHzkR9szOQ&feature=youtu.be

The second place is “Museum of Ceramics”. This museum is done by Mr.Tohir on the basis of his house. He also one of the best in this field. But this house differs from the first one. It has not almost any house nearby, there are only trees and very beautiful naturally. A few days ago he finished the last stage reconstruction and now he is going to open museum on Aug 26, 2017. He already started to accept guests from Tashkent (as local tourist) even very high ranking official (parliamentarians) but he is wishing to widen his activity by accepting foreign tourists.

Also he has prepared additional 3 rooms for foreign visitors only, and separate   bedroom, kitchen and new toilette/bathroom. Mr.Tohir is very happy to collaborate with us and to give his efforts to this project. 

It was very short trip but I got full satisfaction from it, and understand that Rishtan has everything to increase its potential through ceramics. Generally 1 day is not so enough to make judgment but I`m sure that collaboration between parts can positively effect to our project and shift the level of CBT tourism in Rishtan to up.