Mice industry as a driver of economic development

Challenges facing Halal MICE tourism in Uzbekistan 
On the other hand, there are some problems, which can interfere with the 
development of MICE industry in Uzbekistan. The lack of close collaboration at every 
level between government agencies and the practitioners in the industry should be 
resolved. In order to make MICE industry internationally competitive there needs to be 
made serious improvement in service sector such as in hotels, motels, restaurants serving 
national cuisines. Unfortunately, the international flight are still relatively expensive 
because of the persisting monopoly position held by the national carrier, Uzbekistan 
Airlines. Lack of preexisting strategy and practical experience to organize international 
MICE events is hurting the competitive position of the local industry players.
Moreover, in spite of many opportunities for its development the MICE industry, it 
is still in the early stages development and Halal MICE is non-existent in Uzbekistan. In 
addition, if national tourism agency, Organizations such as the State Committee of the 
Republic of Uzbekistan for Development of Tourism, has a will, it can play important role 
for promotion of Halal tourism and halal MICE industry in the country. Tourism industry 
could develop sharply because of mentioned opportunities. There are several challenges 
of halal tourism such as small number of certified halal hotels in large cities and non in 
small ones. In addition, situation is not any batter with number of halal certified 
restaurants, which should serve only halal food and beverage according to Muslim faith.
The travel agencies that focus on providing halal tourism services and run according 
to Shariah principles are hard to find. Therefore, entertainment and cultural attractions 
strictly following principles of Islamic teachings are not easy to find. All of the above 
adds to lack of infrastructure and legal challenges for promotion of Halal MICE tourism. 
Being under soviet rule for over 80 years, local population still lacks true awareness about 
importance of halal tourism and some of its branches such as Halal MICE industry. On 
top of that, MICE event organizers are not paying much attention to demands of Muslim 
guests, inversely they are mostly focusing on provision of Western catering (mostly non-
halal food and alcohol drinks) and offering some entertainment non-compliant with 
tenants of Shariah. All of these may serve as repulsion factors which may prevent Muslim 
visitors and organizers of MICE events from coming to the country, who would otherwise 
be attracted to visit and organize various events in Uzbekistan.

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