The event was organized by the State Committee for Tourism Development of the Republic of Uzbekistan on the margins of the 23rd Tashkent International Tourism Fair, and is supported by the World Bank, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the Khorezm Region Administration, and the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

About 100 local and foreign representatives of the public, private and academic sectors took part in the conference, coming from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, Spain, Georgia, South Korea, and other countries. Together with experts from international organizations (World Bank, UNWTO, UNESCO, KOICA, etc.) they discussed a wide range of issues related to the development of tourism in the world and Uzbekistan.

The topic of tourism development along the Silk Road routes passing through the Central Asian states is becoming increasingly relevant from year to year. Uzbekistan plays a special role here, rightfully being referred to as the heart of the Silk Road. The country is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the region thanks to its geographic location, rich historical heritage, cultural and natural diversity. Uzbekistan has formulated ambitious plans to increase tourist flows and has actively engaged in a transcontinental project of the UN, UNWTO and UNESCO to revive tourism along the ancient routes of the Silk Road.

In reference with the above, the conference in Khiva aimed to create a platform for sharing tourism development knowledge and experience among the participants, and discuss new opportunities for stimulating conducive economic, investment, institutional and legal environment for tourism development along the Silk Road routes. The conference contributed to the efforts of the Central Asian participants to jointly promote the ‘Silk Road’ brand.

The event allowed to demonstrate the capacity and role of Uzbekistan in reviving transcontinental ‘Silk Road’ tourist routes, as well as inform its international participants about the Government’s actions designed to develop tourism industry in the country.

As part of the event, recommendations on boosting the image of Uzbekistan as a key tourist hub in Central Asia were developed.