WORLD TOURISM DAY

Traditionally, September 27 is widely celebrated around the world as World Tourism Day. It has been established by the General Assembly of the World Tourism Organization (WTO) of the United Nations in 1979 in Spanish city of Torremolinos.

This is - a holiday of people who have ever felt like a traveler, as well as of those who work in tourism sector - the most important sector, contributing to economic development of states, consolidation of cooperation and mutual understanding between the peoples of the world.

Each year, World Tourism Day is held under the new motto, and this year it is: "One billion tourists - one billion opportunities". The day draws much public attention. Events devoted to the holiday include holding tourism fairs, seminars, concerts, dance evenings, free access to museums and others.

Since independence, Uzbekistan has developed radically new principles of state policy in the sphere of tourism. July 27, 1992, on the Decree of the President of the Republic the National Company "Uzbektourism" has been established, which was tasked with the implementation of the state policy in this direction, the formation of a national model of tourism development.

Since independence, large-scale measures have been carried out on modernization of tourism industry, development and improvement of the legal framework for sustainable development of this sector, as well as the improvement of transport and hotel infrastructure in the country.

As you know, our country is a full member of the WTO of United Nations since 1993. In October 2011, at the General Assembly of this organization in South Korea Uzbekistan for the second time has been elected as a member of its Executive Board, which is granted only to a few countries.

The state is actively increasing cooperation with the leading world tourist organizations, regularly taking initiatives to deepen cooperation in this promising field, taking part in various international forums.

WTO highly commends the leading role of Uzbekistan in consolidation of international cooperation for development of tourist infrastructure on the Silk Road, restoration and preservation of ancient monuments and architectural complexes. It is evidenced by the fact that at beginning of October 2014, Samarkand hosted 99th Session of WTO Executive Council. Scientists from Asia, Europe, North and South America and Africa, the leaders of international tourism organizations and companies, as well as leading specialists and experts of research centers and institutes participated in the event.

At the same time, more than seven thousand objects of cultural heritage from different epochs and civilizations, including those historic centers of Bukhara, Khiva, Samarkand and Shakhrisabz embraced by the UNESCO World Heritage List , indicate the potential and possibilities of our country in the global tourism industry.

International experts believe that in 21st century this industry not only to maintain but also to increase it’s growth rate. In this regard our country is not an exception. According to the beginning of 2015, there are 1036 tourism enterprises which have a license for tourist activities. 559 out of them are tour operators and 477 represent hotel industry.

The Cabinet of Ministers in 2011 adopted a program of targeted measures for development of tourism in all regions and increasing export potential of tourism services in the period 2011-2012. Analysis, which has been conducted on the results of implementation of targeted activities programs for 2011-2012, has confirmed their importance for development of this industry in the regions and allowed to determine the priorities in this area.

In spring 2013, Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan "On the program of development of tourism in Khorezm region for 2013-2015" has been adopted, which became the basic document for the development of similar programs in other regions.

Annual Tashkent International Tourism Fair (TITF) "Tourism on the Silk Road", which is conducted under the auspices of the WTO, plays a significant role in the formation and maintenance of Uzbekistan’s image in the global market. The main purpose of this event is to provide professionals of the tourist industry with a platform for business communication and closer cooperation. Today TITF acquired the status of one of the largest exhibitions in Central Asia. Regular 21st Tashkent International Tourism Fair will be held from 5th to 7th October 2015 at the National Exhibition Complex Uzexpocentre.

Uzbekistan takes one of the leading places in the world for it’s tourist potential. Success achieved in this sphere is the result of complex efforts to further develop the country’s tourism infrastructure.

Jahon Information Agency