We are taking measures to make the tourism sector of our country digital and paperless.
We are actively striving to develop tourism in the regions and have identified 13 tourist clusters that will be developed in the areas.
In order to support small and medium-sized businesses in the sector, we have established a “Tourism Development Fund”.
We are also promoting the “Uzbekistan – the Land of Hospitality” brand, and are working to draw more foreign tourists to our country.
We have expanded the list of countries whose citizens are eligible for a visa-free regime, and have created a “VIP visa”.
We are also actively developing “halal” tourism.
Dear participants of the forum!
We are sure that the decisions and recommendations adopted at the 25th session of the General Assembly of the World Tourism Organization will bring the sector to a new level, and our joint efforts will contribute to the advancement of the world tourism industry.
Greetings to the Secretary General!
Distinguished heads of delegations!
Ladies and gentlemen!
It is my pleasure to welcome you all to the opening ceremony of the 25th session of the General Assembly of the World Tourism Organization, taking place in the ancient city of Samarkand, a jewel of the Great Silk Road and a major tourist destination of New Uzbekistan.
This iconic city, located at the crossroads of civilizations, has for centuries been a hub of trade, science, and culture, connecting East and West.
Samarkand, known as the “Pearl of the Earth”, which greatly contributed to the development of two great eras of the Eastern Renaissance, is now becoming one of the world’s contemporary tourist centers. The fact that this magnificent city is hosting this important international event is a testament to this.
Welcome to the timeless city of Samarkand, dear friends!
Dear participants of the forum!
It is well known that tourism is one of the most rapidly growing and promising sectors of the world economy. Globalization has opened up vast opportunities for the free movement of people around the world.
According to the World Tourism Council, before the coronavirus pandemic, the tourism sector accounted for about 10 percent of the world’s gross domestic product and 7 percent of its exports.
Unfortunately, the pandemic had a devastating effect on this sector. As a result, tourism export revenues have significantly decreased, and millions of jobs have been lost.
Thanks to the systematic work carried out by the World Tourism Organization and the governments of the countries that you represent, today, global tourism is beginning to revive.
Through the joint efforts and close cooperation of all countries, this sector has demonstrated flexibility and resilience in the face of new challenges and threats.
Last year, around the world, nearly one billion tourists traveled to a foreign country. This accounted for almost 70 percent of the pre-pandemic level. It is expected that this year, this figure will increase further.
Given the current complex situation, many countries are relying on the tourism industry to revitalize their economies and address social problems. The global competition is becoming fierce.
Indeed, it is not by chance: you all well realize that every dollar invested in the sector will bring 3-4 times as much profit in the future. Meanwhile, every new job created in tourism enables the creation of 2 new jobs in other sectors.
In this sense, it would be true to say that tourism is a key factor that ensures shared prosperity and sustainable development of our countries. At the same time, tourism is a powerful tool that enhances cultural exchanges between the peoples of the world and strengthens the principles of tolerance.
Dear participants of the forum!
We fully support the active efforts of our Organization to dynamically develop tourism in all regions of the world and turn it into one of the drivers of the world economy.
We commend its new approaches in the sector, specific measures on drastically improving the quality of services, and the strong emphasis on infrastructure projects.
Particularly, the Organization’s aspirations to place tourism at the top of the global agenda, enhance educational potential, increase the tourism sector’s share in poverty reduction, and strengthen multilateral partnerships correspond to our common goals.
It should be emphasized that in recent years, the World Tourism Organization has become our reliable and long-term strategic partner in fully untapping New Uzbekistan’s tourism potential.
In recent periods, joint measures for safe tourism in our country have been developed, and start-up projects are underway. Our cities have been hosting regional forums of the Organization.
You are well aware that in recent years, we have been implementing extensive and irreversible program of reforms in Uzbekistan.
As part of this process, we are focusing on strengthening the institutes of democratic society, liberalization of the economy, and improving the living standards of our people.
We prioritize the tourism sector in our “open doors policy”.
We have granted a visa-free regime to the nationals of around one hundred countries. A simplified electronic visa system has also been introduced for the nationals of 55 other countries.
We have created favorable conditions for doing business in all subsectors of tourism. We have provided tax and customs benefits and strengthened credit and financial support.
The subsidies are being allocated for constructing new hotels, attracting international brands, and increasing tourist flows.
Thanks to this, despite the pandemic restrictions, we have implemented 800 infrastructure projects in two years.
Over $1 billion has been invested in improving tourism infrastructure in the city of Samarkand alone.
The “Ipak Yuli” Tourist Center, which is hosting today’s forum, is one of these large projects.
In addition, the tourist police have been established to ensure the safety and security of tourists.
The “Amirsoy” winter resort, the “Valley of Legends”, “Zomin” and “Chorvok” zones have become international tourist destinations, attracting the attention of many foreign visitors.
Tourist villages showcasing the traditional lifestyle and unique handicrafts are being established.
The number of hotel beds has reached 140 thousand, 70 new tourist routes have been launched, and 6 private airlines have begun operating to ensure favorable tourist conditions.
We attach great significance to training specialists in the field of tourism. Thirty-five institutes of higher education in Uzbekistan train qualified specialists based on international standards.
Students from 19 countries study at the Samarkand “Silk Road” International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage.
The number of foreign tourists traveling to Uzbekistan has doubled. Revenues from tourist exports have increased 4 times.
For example, this year, the number of tourists from Japan has increased 5 times, from India and Italy – 3.5 times, from the United States – 2 times.
According to estimates, 7 million tourists will visit our country by the end of this year. By 2030, we intend to increase this figure to 15 million and domestic tourist flow to 25 million.
Ladies and gentlemen!
The international community is recognizing our large-scale efforts.
In particular, Uzbekistan is ranked in the list of “the fastest growing tourist destinations” by the World Tourism Organization and takes the leading position in the list of “the safest country for tourism” of the famous social survey company Gallup.
In addition, our country won nominations for “Discovery of the Year” and “Gastronomic Tourism” of the U.S. magazine “National Geographic Traveler”.
Last year, Uzbekistan was recognized as “the strongest tourist destination” in the “Global Muslim Tourism Index”.
Dear participants of the forum!
We have set big goals and plans for ourselves, and in this respect, we are committed to working closely with you.
We are constructing 30 new airports.