UNWTO General Assembly to be held in Uzbekistan for the first time in history

22.09.2023 - 18:35 / euronews.com

The 25th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is scheduled for October 16-20 this year in Samarkand. For the first time in history, Uzbekistan will host this important biennial gathering of member states and affiliate members of UNWTO.

The event will bring together heads of government agencies, representatives of the tourism industry, and international business corporations engaged in the sector from around 159 countries.

Heads of travel agencies from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Saudi Arabia, Albania, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Côte d'Ivoire, Guatemala, Haiti, Indonesia, Monaco, Niger, Panama, Portugal, Sierra Leone, Ukraine, Uruguay and Yemen are expected to attend in Samarkand.

Uzbekistan has been admitted as a member of the Committee on Credentials of the UNWTO Executive Council for 2023-2027. This means that Uzbekistan can monitor compliance with the important decisions and documents adopted by the UNWTO Executive Council.

Holding the General Assembly in Uzbekistan has the potential to open up new opportunities for raising the status of Uzbekistan in the international arena, and the country has expressed it is hoping to expand relations with international organisations and to promote its cultural and tourism potential.

The issues of international cooperation in the field of tourism will be discussed at panel sessions. Several other large-scale conferences will take place within the framework of the sessions of the 25th General Assembly.

The Investment Forum will present the facilities, regions, and projects with high investment potential in all regions of Uzbekistan to major foreign investors.

The forum brings together global stakeholders, industry leaders and investors to explore opportunities in tourism and aims to demonstrate the favourable investment environment in Uzbekistan.

During the main sessions of the Investment Forum, Uzbekistan’s primary objective is to foster a favourable global perception of Uzbekistan's investment landscape. The country hopes to attract the interest of major foreign investors in committing resources to the country. Uzbekistan’s vision is focused on sustainable development, underpinned by business agreements and strategic partnerships. The country is also focused on preserving its cultural heritage and natural assets, seeking investments that not only fuel Uzbekistan's economic growth but also align with its commitment to safeguarding its rich heritage and natural resources.

The Education Forum, which is expected to take place within the General Assembly, strived to demonstrate the importance of investing in tourism education today, as well as improving skills and creating inclusive