Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- The next 65th session of the European Commission of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) will be held in Samarkand, the event will be opened by the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Chairman of the State Committee for Tourism Development Aziz Abdukhakimov.

The decision was made as part of a proposal sent by the State Committee for Tourism Development to the UNWTO Secretariat to hold the 65th session of the European Commission in 2020 in Samarkand.

The event, scheduled for 24-25 June 2020 in Samarkand, is planned to attend more than 300 members of delegations from ministries and departments in the field of tourism and related areas from more than 40 countries, as well as holding a conference in conjunction with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

In connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, it was decided to conduct this event online. The main theme of the event is aimed at the impact of the pandemic on tourism and overcoming its consequences. The event will be opened by the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Chairman of the State Committee for Tourism Development, Aziz Abdukhakimov.

Also at the meeting will be UNWTO Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili, Chairman of the Regional Commission - Minister of Tourism of Greece Harry Theocharis, Director of the European Department Alyssandra Priante.

The online event will include interagency discussions on the “COVID-19 Response Policy,” reports by the UNWTO and the International Finance Corporation on the Green Tool. The event will also discuss the issue of holding the next 66th meeting in full format.

It is expected that the candidacy of Uzbekistan will be re-nominated as a host.