EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF UNWTO ABOUT FIVE REASONS TO VISIT UZBEKISTAN

The main guest of XXI International Tourism Fair "Tourism on the Silk Road" (TITF 2015) became Zoltán Somogyi - executive director of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

During the conversation, which took place on the sidelines TITF-2015, high-ranking guest spoke about the prospects of cooperation between Uzbekistan and the UNWTO, as well as shared his opinion about the tourism potential of our country.

— The Republic is one of the important members of our organization. Last year we celebrated the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the Samarkand declaration on tourism on the Silk Road. The successful holding in October of the same year in Samarkand 99th Session of the UNWTO Executive Council was another indication of the active expansion of cooperation.

Currently UNWTO partnership with your country embrace the issues of preserving and further promotion of the rich cultural and historical heritage of the Uzbek people, as well as to assist in the improvement of tourism infrastructure of the country. In 2014-2015 we have conducted a series of trainings and seminars for representatives of the tourism industry of Uzbekistan. In our immediate plans - the organization of a series of events abroad dedicated to acquaint the international community with this edge.

Taking this opportunity, I would like to share their vision as to why foreign tourists prefer to visit Uzbekistan.

Firstly, this is a country where there is peace and tranquility, the atmosphere of mutual respect and harmony. Moreover, generosity, hospitality and sincerity of the Uzbek people as a magnet for visitors from around the world.

Secondly, beautiful nature, unique flora and fauna of the Uzbek edge is of great interest to connoisseurs all over the world.

In addition, Uzbekistan is among the world’s top-ranked countries on the scale of tourism and the number of historical monuments. In your country there are more than seven thousand historical, architectural and cultural monuments. Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and Shakhrisabz are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

In addition, the Uzbek culture is one of the most brilliant and original in the world. It is reflected in the music, dance, painting, arts and crafts, cuisine and clothes of the people.

Finally, Uzbekistan - is a modern, dynamically developing country which, despite the unfavorable external economic environment for eleven years shows GDP growth of over 8%.

Due to these and other factors, Uzbekistan has taken a strong position in the market of the tourism industry, and the number of travelers who want to experience the unique atmosphere of the country has been growing steadily.

Jahon Information Agency