International conference "Tourism and environmental (eco-) tourism with a goal of social protection and sustainable development" timed to the World Tourism Day was held in Tashkent. Ecosan international organization for ecology and health organized the event.

Representatives of ministries, agencies, regional khokimiyats (governor’s offices), social organizations in the country, as well as the ambassadors from a number of countries accredited in Uzbekistan participated in the forum, Jahon reports.

The participants noted that tourism and eco-tourism are an important factor for sustainable development, raising the incomes and providing the people with jobs, and in the whole, achieving the Millennium development goals.

Therefore the considerable measures o­n expanding the infrastructure of tourism and creation of modern sphere of services, which meet the international requirements, are now being undertaken in Uzbekistan.

At the moment, tourism is actively developing in Uzbekistan. Thus, according to Uzbektourism National Company, last year about 560,000 people visited Uzbekistan, which is 69.5% more compare to 2005. It became possible due to creation of new routes, improvement of quality of services and advertising campaigns.

The country has an enormous tourist potential. These are rich historical and cultural heritage of the Uzbek people, ancient cities of the Great Silk Road, as well as the scores of monuments of architecture, unique nature and world-known Uzbek hospitality. 69.5% Participants of the conference elaborated proposals o­n creating conditions for dynamical development of the tourist industry in Uzbekistan and in the Central Asia region as a whole.