While most of them are trying to keep themselves away from coronavirus that has now infected more than 15 million people, with 6.20 lakh people succumbing to the virus that was first reported in late December 2019, the Uzbekistan government has announced that they will be paying 3,000 US dollars to the tourists if they contract Covid-19 while in the country.
Uzbekistan is confident that the travelers won't get the coronavirus when they visit and in a bid to promote tourism the government has launched the 'Safe Travel Guaranteed' campaign, which offers visitors 3,000 US dollars if they get infected with the virus while traveling in the country. However, if you contract Covid-19 while in the country you won't get to take the money because the concerned authorities claim that the amount covers the cost of treating coronavirus in the country.
However, the 3,000 US dollars compensation payout is subject to certain conditions.
Any tourists who happen to come down with Covid-19 will need to have been traveling with a local tour guide, who will be certified in safety and hygiene guidelines. Tourist sites and accommodation will also be required to gain certification from the government to ensure that they’re meeting the new standards of sanitary and epidemiological safety issued by the government.
Uzbektourism, the state committee for tourism, is also compiling a register of certified businesses to give tour operators and tourists confidence that the places where they will stay, eat, and visit are safe. At the same time, businesses that do not comply with the new hygiene standards and can be traced as the source of infections will be held liable for treatment costs.
Reportedly, the country has so far announced it's open to visitors from low-risk countries, like China, Israel, Japan, and South Korea, however, travelers from the UK and Europe should undergo quarantine for 14 days when they arrive.
According to the UN's World Tourism Organization, Uzbekistan was named the fourth fastest-growing tourism market, last year. Over 33 million people live in the country, but with its swift lockdown approach, the country had just 19 reported coronavirus-related deaths.
Meanwhile, Cambodia's government has taken the opposite approach, they announced that it will require travelers to make a 3,000 US dollars deposit to cover costs in the case that they get the coronavirus.
