Mirziyoyev Discusses Uzbekistan Tourism Development with UNWTO

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 1 April, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with Shaikha Nasser Al-Nowais, Secretary-General of UNWTO, who is visiting the country on an official working trip. The discussion focused on expanding long-term and multifaceted cooperation between Uzbekistan and the specialized United Nations agency.

The UNWTO head praised the extensive reforms in Uzbekistan’s tourism sector, including infrastructure modernization, diversification of tourist services, expansion of air connectivity, creation of new museums, and the organization of major cultural events. Over the past eight years, the number of visitors to Uzbekistan has increased sixfold, reaching nearly 12 million, with plans to grow to 20 million by 2030. The government also aims to raise tourism’s share of GDP to 7 percent.

The parties welcomed the dynamic cooperation between Uzbekistan and UNWTO. In 2023, the UNWTO General Assembly was held in Samarkand, the International Tourism Academy was established, and a themed office “Tourism on the Silk Road” is set to open soon. At Uzbekistan’s initiative, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring 2027 the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism.

Both sides confirmed their commitment to further develop the partnership, including strengthening the international legal framework for tourism, implementing joint projects, expanding technical and expert cooperation, and preparing highly qualified personnel for the industry.