Independence Day gift for entrepreneurs: a number of new benefits introduced in the tourism sector

On the eve of Independence Day, entrepreneurs were provided with a number of new benefits in the tourism sector.

These benefits, announced during the VI open dialogue with entrepreneurs by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, were reflected in Decree No. PF-175 signed on August 27, 2026.

According to it, commercial banks will provide loans in the national currency for the construction and reconstruction of hotels for a period of up to 10 years, with a 2-year grace period, at an annual interest rate of 16%. Interest costs exceeding the SOFR, EURIBOR or SHIBOR rates for loans in foreign currency will be covered by the Entrepreneurship Development Company JSC.

In order to develop tourism infrastructure, the subsidy for the construction of three-, four- and five-star hotels has been extended until January 1, 2029. Also, a foreign company's conclusion is not required when approving the category for a star hotel subsidy. For information, over the past 3 years, 32 star hotels have been built, and more than 156 billion soums in subsidies have been paid to them from the state budget.

The period for applying a 0.1 coefficient to property and land tax for hotels has been extended until January 1, 2030. A 90 percent reduction in land and property tax for hotels, including tent and cottage camps, is valid until January 1, 2030 (2037 for camps).

The period for exemption from customs duties for imported buses, electric buses and minibuses for tourism entities has been extended until January 1, 2028. Minibuses with more than eight seats are also included in this exemption, and they are also exempt from the disposal fee.

Services provided by tour operators to foreign tourists are considered exports and are exempt from VAT from January 1, 2027.

When hotels and catering establishments purchase water, beverages, beer and tobacco products, the digital marking codes attached to them are considered to have been sold for final consumption - resale control is not required. Also, in 2026-2027, cash currency exchange offices and ATMs will be gradually established in hotels with more than 50 rooms.

At the same time, a draft Presidential Decree will be developed by November 2026, which will provide for a recalculation of the tourist tax based on the cost of accommodation, a requirement for hotels to organize parking, and a discount of up to 30% on cultural heritage sites for tour operators bringing groups of more than 10 people. These proposals are currently at the draft stage, and after the relevant Presidential Decree is officially adopted, the above benefits will officially come into force for entrepreneurs.