The World Tourism Day was established by the United Nations World Tourism Organization in 1979 and since 1980 it has been broadly celebrated around the world. In 2011 it is being held under the theme: Tourism – Linking Cultures.

UNWTO highlights the tourism’s role in linking together different cultures of the world through travels. According to experts, tourism is one of the promising areas of modern international cooperation, which is fast developing in last 50 years. Each year millions of people travel around the world and learn new places, culture, traditions and lifestyle of other nations. This interaction between individuals and communities leads to tolerance, respect and mutual understanding, so necessary for a more peaceful world.

UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon mentioned in his World Tourism Day message: “World Tourism Day is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of tourism to global well-being. As we travel, let us engage with other cultures and celebrate human diversity. On this observance, let us recognize tourism as a force for a more tolerant, open and united world.” Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Shakhrisabz are the main tourism centers of modern Uzbekistan. Unique medieval architecture of these ancient cities is inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List. In total, on the territory of Uzbekistan there are more than 4 thousand historical and architectural monuments”90% of them date back to the Zoroastrianism period and Timurids dynasty.

According to the State Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Statistics, the export of tourism services for first six months of 2011 amounted to USD 226.2 million, which is 30% higher than previous year rates for a corresponding period. In total, today 782 tourism enterprises operate in Uzbekistan. Among them there are about 300 hotels, more than 450 tourism agencies and camping sites.