A large group of tourists from Belgium and Luxemburg is now visiting Uzbekistan. The group consists of 125 people and includes business people, public and political officials of both countries, people of different age groups and interests. But all of them are united by one important common feature – love and respect for the history and culture of the people of Uzbekistan.

The trip of the European tourists to Uzbekistan was organized with the assistance of the honoured consulate of Belgium in Tashkent, the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Brussels, and Mega Tour Travel Agency.

During their stay in Uzbekistan tourists from the countries of Benelux will see the sights of Tashkent, Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand, familiarize themselves with the historical monuments and cultural sights of these cities.

The leader of the group is a consultant on human resource management issues from Brussels Mr. George Mischel. In an interview with Jahon news agency he spoke of the growing interest of Belgian tourists in visiting Uzbekistan.

"For many Belgians Uzbekistan is a true tourist centre of Central Asia," he said. "Your country receives everyone who would like to familiarize with one of the most fascinating routes of the Great Silk Road with hospitality. I can state that many members of this tourist group have fallen in love with Uzbekistan long before the arrival, by learning about your country from the travel directories and video-films."

According to Mischel, European tourists are attracted to Uzbekistan primarily by the world-famous architectural and historical monuments, modern network of hotels, high level of services provided, and favourable climate conditions. All this complemented by the general environment of tolerance and hospitality in the country assists the growth of the number of European travelers who choose Uzbekistan from among scores of other tourist routes.

It should be noted that the trip of such a large and representative group of tourists from Belgium and Luxemburg to Uzbekistan is organized for the first time. At the reception organized on this occasion the Honoured Consul of Belgium to Uzbekistan Jan-Clod Bojan emphasized the interest of his country in further development of mutually beneficial cooperation with Uzbekistan in trade and economic, cultural, humanitarian and tourism spheres.

According to the forecasts of the Belgian representatives announced during the event, the number of tourists traveling to Uzbekistan from Belgium alone should increase to 10,000 yearly in the next few years.