“UZBEKISTAN HAS A LEADING POSITION IN INTERNATIONAL TOURISM AROUND THE WORLD”

The exhibition center Jaarbeurs Utrecht Netherlands hosted Vakantiebeurs-2016, a prestigious international tourism fair.

It was attended by more than 220 organizations, large tourism companies and airlines from 85 countries. The exhibition was visited by more than 120 thousand people.

As part of the forum, a presentation of Uzbekistan’s tourist potential was organized by the Uzbek side, together with major Dutch companies: VNC Asia Travel, Djoser, Baobab Reizen, Eurocult Lito Reisen, Koningaap, Tiara Tours, Sunita Travel, BCD Travel. Colorful stands of these tour operators offer guided tours to our country.

Visitors of the exhibition expressed great interest in the tourism potential of our republic. Jahon Information Agency reporter interviewed some of the major international forum’s participants.

In particular, Will Dickens, manager of the travel company Djoser noted that in recent years there has been a positive trend of growth of sales travel packages to Uzbekistan.

— Your country has a rich cultural and architectural heritage, which leaves travelers with indelible impressions, - he stressed. - I believe that an important factor in the dynamic development of tourism in Uzbekistan is the unique location of the republic at the crossroads of the Great Silk way, as well as the presence in the country of more than 7000 monuments of different epochs and civilizations. All this, of course, attracts the attention of excellent quality from Netherlands and other European countries. I would also like to note that Uzbekistan has one of the leading positions in the field of international tourism around the world. Representatives of Djoser, who visited your republic, noted the high level of tourist infrastructure, as well as the professionalism of local guides, which is very important for the further attraction of tourists to the country.

In turn, Maurice Bowman, director of Sovjet Reizen said that Uzbekistan, possessing great tourism potential, has a highly developed culture and art. He described the situation in our country as a favorable and it open good prospects for European companies in developing their business in the Uzbek market.

— The Republic’s undertaken measures to modernize the tourism sector are commendable - he stressed. - During the years of independence, your country built comfortable hotels, upgraded airports, restored numerous cultural and historical monuments, the high level of service delivered to the care of tourists. Year by year it increases number of European travelers in your country. They delight not only the natural beauty of your land, rich history, diverse culture and wonderful historical monuments, but also the centuries-old traditions of the Uzbek people, their kindness and hospitality, and, of course, unrivaled cuisine. In the near future our company will send new group of tourists in Uzbekistan who, I am sure, will love your magnificent country.

Margret Versteylen, manager of MTS-Asia Travel Dutch Company, noted that he has repeatedly visited Uzbekistan and sees every year a growing of the Benelux countries’ tourists’ interest in the country, especially Holland. Foreign expert pointed out that the first day of the fair received a lot of requests for a visit to the republic this year.

— This year, we offer Belgian tourists a trip to Uzbekistan - she said. - In recent years, a lot of roads have been built in your country. In particular, deserves special attention the launch of a new highway between Bukhara and Khiva, which meets international standards and is a shining example of successful development of tourism infrastructure.

According to Kernes de Waan, commercial director of Tiara Tours, Uzbekistan is successfully implementing its rich tourism potential in the context of globalization and increasing competition.

— Unique historical monuments, ancient and unique culture of our country known to travelers from around the world - she said. - Our company offers its customers an exclusive product, a visit to the magnificent sights, the majority of which are included in UNESCO World Heritage List, as well as comfortable and attractive destinations for ecotourism.

Jahon Information Agency, Netherlands