Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — A high-level ministerial dialogue titled “Shaping a Sustainable Tourism Industry through Cooperation” was held in Dubai as part of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM 2026) international tourism exhibition.
Abdullaziz Akkulov, chairman of Uzbekistan’s Tourism Committee, took part in the event, the Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan reported.
Recovery of the tourism industry
The dialogue was attended by UN Tourism Secretary-General Shaikha Al Nuaiss, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Bahrain’s Minister of Tourism Fatima bint Jaafar Al Sairafi and other senior representatives.
Uzbekistan’s participation focused on studying the experience of Gulf countries in restoring the tourism industry amid challenging external conditions, assessing further tourism development trends in the region, increasing tourist flows from regional countries to Uzbekistan and expanding practical cooperation.
Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri noted that recent developments in the Middle East had directly affected the tourism industry. According to him, under the current circumstances, it is still premature to speak of significant results and achievements.
At the same time, he stressed the need to intensify efforts to restore tourism activity, strengthen and develop the industry, increase openness to international tourists and ensure a high level of security.
Uzbekistan promotes regional tourism
Abdullaziz Akkulov said Uzbekistan was offering new opportunities as a promising tourism destination that is developing dynamically in the international market.
He also noted that, at the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, work is underway to promote Central Asia as a single tourism region. In this regard, he stressed the need to develop cross-border tourist routes and intensify cooperation across all areas.
Tashkent to host opening of international year
Shaikha Al Nuaiss stressed that cooperation and joint efforts are among the key factors for sustainable development of the tourism industry.
She also highlighted Uzbekistan’s efforts and initiative in promoting the Safe Tourism Code, describing the experience as a practical example for other countries.
At the end of her remarks, the UN Tourism Secretary-General spoke about the upcoming official opening in Tashkent of 2027, declared the “International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism.” She invited participants to visit Uzbekistan and take part in the ceremony.
