- Repeated changes of the institutional structure have eroded capabilities and diminished stakeholder confidence.
- The Ministry of Culture and Tourism (Khorezm) office lacks a clear operational programme.
- There is weak data collection and analysis.
- Heavy top-down management approach inhibits the development of new initiatives and the systematic preparation of feasibility studies.
- There are low levels of digitisation of services and tourist information, and the website is not maintained.
- Environmental degradation and desertification needs to be addressed at the broader Central Asian level in order to deal with dust storms, pollution and drought.
- Water extraction from the Amu Darya River needs to be reduced and water recycling increased.
- However, in parts of the river there are also flooding events (eg: Berunyi), for which resilience measures are needed.
- The Amu Darya connects three major natural areas: the Lower Amu Darya State Biosphere Reserve; the Khorezm National Park; and, the Kyzylkum State Nature Reserve. There is evidence of neglect of these protected areas and also of the area’s natural Tugai forest cover.
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) procedures are weak and there appears to be no Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) in place.
- There is potential for creating a network of natural and ecotourism attractions that could offer thematic routes across the Khorezm and South Karakalpakstan regions (hiking, birdwatching, camel/horse riding, fishing, hunting, kayaking and canoeing).
- Nature based attractions could help to address seasonality. Thus, for summers, water-based activities could help to attract domestic tourists, with hiking/trekking promoted in spring and autumn months.
- Regional Planning and Development: Agricultural and industrial production changes. Moves to free trade zones and innovative production with university links. Light industry and food processing in main towns (Khazarasp, Pitnak, Bagat, Berunyi and Tortkul).
- Agriculture: Transition from cotton. More focus on fruit production and horticulture, with better a focus on productivity and some links to tourism (Yangiarik, Yangibozor and Gurlen).
- Tourism: Need for tourism diversification to reduce pressure on Khiva and extend length of visitor stays.
- Extend Cultural and Heritage Routes to South Karakalpakstan: Expand focus from Khiva to South Karakalpakstan kalas in the north.
- Widen Range of Attractions: Include emphasis on religious tours ecotourism.
- Investigate Urgench as Second Tourism Base: With increasing improvements to transport infrastructure (air and rail) look to encourage expansion of cultural, eating and hotel facilities.
- National Development Strategy and Presidential Decrees: NDS (2022-2026) and PDs already incorporate some basis for change.
- Environmental and Sustainabilty Concerns: Need to address climate change, disaster risk (drought, and also Amu Darya seasonal flooding) and development sustainability concerns.
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