Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 16 October, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev took part in the opening ceremony of the 25th session of the UNWTO General Assembly, the events of which will be held in the city of Samarkand until 20 October.

In his speech at the main forum of the global tourism organization, with the participation of representatives of more than 140 countries, the Head of state put forward several vital initiatives for further developing the industry.

The Leader of Uzbekistan emphasized that today, the tourism sector is one of the dynamically developing and promising sectors of the world economy. Uzbekistan also prioritizes developing the tourism industry as part of large-scale and irreversible reforms to modernize the country.

A visa-free regime has been granted to the nationals of around one hundred countries. A simplified electronic visa system has also been introduced for the nationals of 55 other countries.

Favorable conditions have been created for doing business in all subsectors of tourism. Tax and customs benefits have been provided, and credit and financial support have been strengthened. Despite the pandemic restrictions, over 800 infrastructure projects have been implemented in two years.

The number of hotel beds has reached 140 thousand, 70 new tourist routes have been launched, and 6 private airlines have begun operating. 

This has doubled the number of foreign tourists traveling to Uzbekistan. Revenues from tourist exports have increased 4 times. According to estimates, 7 million tourists will visit Uzbekistan by the end of this year. By 2030, this figure is expected to increase to 15 million and domestic tourist flow to 25 million.

The international community is recognizing Uzbekistan’s large-scale efforts. In particular, Uzbekistan is ranked in the list of “the fastest growing tourist destinations” by the World Tourism Organization and takes the leading position in the list of “the safest country for tourism” of the famous social survey company Gallup.

The President of Uzbekistan said that within the framework of the developed Strategy for Integrated Development of Tourism until 2030, priority attention will be paid to creating modern tourism and transport infrastructure. New high-speed roads and railways will be built, the air fleet will be doubled, and the number of flights will quadruple. 30 large tourism clusters will be created in large cities and places frequently visited by tourists.

As part of the national program “Masterpieces of Ancient History”, the number of cultural heritage sites attracting tourists will be increased from 800 to 2.5 thousand, 745 cultural heritage sites will be restored, and “open-air museums” will be set up in 20 monuments.

Visitors will increase threefold as part of the Ziyarat (Pilgrimage) Tourism Program. 

The creation of joint tourist routes with the countries of Central Asia is at the core of focus.

In a word, it is planned to create at least one million new jobs through the work on developing several types of tourism.

The Leader of Uzbekistan noted, “The most pressing issue for the world tourism sector is to ensure a guaranteed system of tourists’ security”. To consolidate the firm legal framework in the international tourism sector, the President of Uzbekistan proposed to develop a Global Safe Tourism Code under the guidance of the United Nations.

It was noted that in the era of increasing climate change, adopting the International Program of Action to develop Green Tourism is more urgent than ever.

As practical steps, it was proposed to establish the nomination “The Best City Promoting Green Tourism” within the Organization and create a Global Green Tourism Startups’ Laboratory in cooperation with the Central Asian Green University and the “Silk Road” International University in Samarkand.

To further strengthen the enabling environment for tourists with disabilities and the development of inclusive tourism infrastructure, the President of Uzbekistan proposed the initiative to declare 2025 as the “World Inclusive Tourism Year” within the Organization and adopt a special declaration.

The expediency of creating a Council of Historical Cities for Tourism under the UNWTO was noted – a platform for exchanging the most advanced experience in preserving historical monuments. Readiness was expressed to hold the first meeting of the Council in the city of Bukhara.

The Leader of Uzbekistan announced the allocation of special grants for training specialists at the newly created International Academy of Tourism in Samarkand, a unique UNWTO educational institution for training and advanced training personnel in tourism.

The Uzbekistan Leader proposed organizing the Global Youth Tourism Summit in Tashkent, which will offer the youth an essential and valuable space to create tourism development projects and generate new ideas.

It was proposed to establish a special International Award of the UNWTO for contribution to the development of the “Ipak Yuli” (‘Silk Road’) brand. The Thematic Office for Tourism on Silk Road in Samarkand can actively participate in implementing this plan.

Attention was drawn to the importance of creating a Global Media Campus and holding media forums biennially as part of the regular sessions of the General Assembly. The readiness to host the first edition of Media Campus in Uzbekistan was expressed.

The Leader of Uzbekistan also called on delegates to support the initiative to declare Samarkand the World Cultural Tourism Capital and adopt the relevant Declaration.

Following his speech, the President of Uzbekistan wished every success and the best of luck in the session of the General Assembly.