Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 19 August, the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Heritage in Tashkent organized a press conference on the results of the "Motor Rally from the capitals of the SCO countries to Samarkand" and the XV International Festival "Off road".

The press conference was attended by Advisor to the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Heritage Lola Rakhmanbayeva, Head of the Department for Organizing Mass Events of the Ministry Zarrina Abdullayeva, Deputy Khakim of the Tashkent Region for Tourism, Sports, Culture, Cultural Heritage and Mass Communications Jamshid Babajanov, Director of the Pokatushki Club Otabek Olimjonov and other responsible persons and media workers.

Speaking at the conference, Lola Rakhmanbayeva emphasized that this motor rally is one of a series of events aimed at reflecting the spirit of Samarkand in the SCO in accordance with the instruction of the President of Uzbekistan to hold a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) at a high level.

At the event, special attention was paid to the rally project and the significance of the festival. In particular, Zarrina Abdullayeva noted that the XV International Festival "Off road" is the next important step in the development of autotourism.

Jamshid Babajanov noted the increased interest of foreign tourists in a new direction of tourism in Uzbekistan.

“Last year, about 500 tourists took part in the festival, and this year already 800 people visited the XV International Off Road Festival in Bustanlak. “In conclusion, the participants were awarded certificates,” said Jamshid Babajanov. “This festival testifies to the increased interest of foreigners in autotourism in Uzbekistan.”

Jamshid Bobojonov also noted that no damage was done to the environment during the festival.

The director of the Pokatushki club, Otabek Olimjonov, thanked the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Heritage, the administration of the Tashkent region and other partner organizations for the initiative in holding the festival.

“The main achievement of this festival is the direct exchange of experience with foreign racing drivers,” said Otabek Olimjonov. - The goal is to reach the most remote regions of Uzbekistan through car tourism, improve road infrastructure, and eliminate remaining problems in the field. Today, foreign tourists do not hide their surprise at the rapid development of autotourism in Uzbekistan. Their interest in our country is growing. This is a great opportunity for Uzbekistan."

During his speech, Otabek Olimjonov noted that local residents also prefer to explore Uzbekistan in their car.

“The Uzbek people are hospitable. This aspect attracts foreign tourists more and more. We are developing a number of projects with the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Heritage to provide even more comfort for foreign autotourists,” he said.

During the press conference, the prospects for the further development of autotourism in our country were discussed. An exchange of views on upcoming new projects took place. Also, media workers received answers to their questions.

At the end of the event, the Pokatushki club presented the signature figurine of the festival to the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Heritage.

The international festival "Off road" has been held since 2006 at the initiative of jeep tourism enthusiasts. Uzbekistan got the opportunity to host the festival in 2022 through an open vote at the Off-road forum in Georgia in October 2021.

In preparation for the SCO summit, a number of events are being held that reflect the historical spirit of the city of Samarkand. In particular, an exhibition of artists from the SCO countries was organized in Samarkand, the Samarkand-2022 international sculptural symposium was launched, and the second stage of the plein-air with the participation of foreign artists began.