Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Fifteenth International Tashkent Tourism Fair “Tourism on the Silk Road” opened in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, on 21 October. Uzbektourism organized the fair at the support of the UN WTO. Opening the fair, chairman of Uzbektourism Zohid Khakimov said that tourism in Uzbekistan was developing like all other sectors. The country, situated in the center of the Great Silk Road, attracts more and more foreign tourists with its historical monuments, unique culture and traditions, and wonderful nature. The main goal of the Tashkent Tourism Fair is to promote tourism potential of Uzbekistan and expand the relations between the local and foreign tourism and travel companies. Held since 1995, the fair is one of the largest tourism forums in Central Asia. The number of the fair participants has been increasing from year to year. If in 2008 more than 100 companies from 23 countries took part in the forum, this year their number is more than 200. The fair participants can get acquainted with the services related to environmental and sports tourism, the work of the hotels, insurance and banking services, the activity of the national and regional tourist organizations and travel agencies.