As previously announced, in June 2026, three-day training seminars were organized in Nukus, Muynak District, and Khojayli District as part of the “Youth and Women - Ambassadors of Sustainable Tourism in Karakalpakstan” project. The project is implemented by the DMO Karakalpakstan Public Association with the financial support of the European Union, the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, and the Yuksalish Nationwide Movement.
A total of 33 young women and men participated in the training program, gaining practical knowledge and skills in sustainable tourism, local initiative development, social entrepreneurship, project design, and tourism product development.
One of the key stages of the program was the transformation of participants’ ideas into practical project proposals. Individually or in teams, participants developed and presented initiatives aimed at promoting tourism in Karakalpakstan.
All projects were evaluated by independent experts, trainers, and the DMO Karakalpakstan team based on established criteria. The highest-scoring projects were selected as winners and will receive implementation support in the form of equipment and materials worth UZS 2.5 million for each project.
Selected Projects
Muynak District
- “Qırdaǵı Kema” – A project to establish a traditional guest house in a natural setting, showcasing the hospitality and cultural heritage of Muynak to local and international visitors.
- “MUYNAK TRAVEL MEDIA” – A media initiative promoting Muynak’s tourism potential through modern digital communication and international outreach.
Khojayli District
- “Smart Qoraqalpog‘iston Tourism Hub” – An innovative digital tourism initiative designed to expand tourism opportunities in Karakalpakstan and Khojayli District while increasing visitor numbers.
- “Bir Hotira – Ming Hikoya Ustaxonasi” (One Memory – A Thousand Stories Workshop) – A cultural tourism project highlighting Karakalpak traditions, handicrafts, and the history of the Aral Sea tragedy.
Nukus
- “ARALAROMA SOAP” – A project focused on producing natural soap from local plants and expanding the range of eco-friendly tourism souvenirs.
- “ARBASHI BREAD” – An initiative to create a new souvenir brand by introducing modern, environmentally friendly, and nationally inspired packaging for traditional Karakalpak bread.
In addition, the project “Home Guesthouse in Shege Village”, presented by Aziza Atamuratova from Muynak District, received special recognition from the experts.
Considering the project's strong potential and the participant’s initiative, DMO Karakalpakstan decided to provide additional support for its implementation using the organization’s own resources.
This competition became an important initiative in transforming the ideas of young people and women into practical projects, supporting local tourism development, and encouraging the creation of new tourism products and services.
We sincerely thank all participants for their enthusiasm and congratulate the winners on their outstanding achievements. We wish them every success in implementing their projects and contributing to the sustainable development of tourism in Karakalpakstan.
