Samarkand, Uzbekistan, is preparing to be the venue for a major international investment forum organized by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) as part of its 25th General Assembly session scheduled for October 16-20. The event will be attended by over 1,000 participants from 128 countries, including 79 tourism ministers and 24 deputy tourism ministers. Moreover, event will bring representatives from 160 UN member states and 500 affiliate members.President Mirziyoyev expressed hope that this event will provide an excellent opportunity to showcase tourism.
During an exclusive interview with Daryo, Sophie Ibbotson, the Tourism Ambassador for Uzbekistan in the UK and the founder of the esteemed tourism consultancy, Maximum Exposure, conveyed the following insights:
"The forthcoming UNWTO General Assembly to be held in Samarkand represents a momentous opportunity for Uzbekistan to establish a more prominent presence within the global tourism community. With an expected turnout of nearly 160 UN member states, we not only have the platform to showcase the captivating tourist attractions, top-tier amenities, and warm hospitality that Samarkand offers but also to actively engage in substantive discussions concerning the policies and priorities that will chart the course of the tourism industry for the next two years.
Emphasizing the paramount role of sustainability in these dialogues is pivotal, and Uzbekistan stands as a key advocate in demonstrating how tourism can be a driving force in realizing the UN Sustainable Development Goals."
According to data published during a video conference chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan received 4.3 mn tourists, generating $1.4Bn in revenue. These figures reflect the robust growth of the industry.
The key to the successful development of tourism in Uzbekistan has been the initiative to introduce extra holidays and discounts, doubling the number of domestic tourists to 15mn.
The development of aviation has also played a significant role in attracting tourists. Twenty international and six domestic flights were launched, and the number of international flights at Samarkand Airport increased from 46 to 85 per week. To enhance tourist mobility, 1,300 modern buses were purchased, and 38 new routes were introduced.
Earlier, Daryo reported that, Samarkand is actively improving its tourism services to accommodate the increasing number of visitors, particularly from Russia. The city welcomed 100,000 Russian tourists in 2022, and the first eight months of this year have already matched that figure.
To cater to tourists, Samarkand is adding 38 swimming pools to existing hotels and making it mandatory for new hotels to have one. These pools will offer options for both children and adults, enhancing water recreation opportunities.
Furthermore, Samarkand is working to expand its nightlife by creating a 24-hour entertainment hub. With 161 hotels and over 300 guest houses, the city aims to continue attracting more visitors while preserving its rich cultural heritage, recognized by UNESCO as a "Crossroads of Cultures."
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