On 9 October 2011, Uzbekistan has been elected as member of the Executive Council of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) from European Regional Group for 2011-2015 within the work of the 19th session of the UNWTO General Assembly in Gyeongju, Republic of Korea.

Jahon news agency reported that the decision will contribute to development of tourism in the Great Silk Road and achievements of tasks of the organization.

Uzbekistan, located at the center of Silk Road, has over 4,000 historic-architecture monuments. Uzbekistan preserves invaluable material and spiritual heritage. Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and Shahrisabz were included into UNESCO World Heritage List.

Currently, there are 782 tourism enterprises, 24 hotels and over 450 tour operators in Uzbekistan. According to official data, over 1.3 million tourists visited Uzbekistan in 2010, which is 6.9% more year-on-year.

Uzbekistan became member of the UNWTO, which unites over 150 countries. During 18 years, the UNWTO and Uzbekistan have fruitful cooperation and the country hosted several large UNWTO events.

In 2004, the UNWTO opened its regional office in Samarkand, activities of which are directed at coordinating activities of the national tourism organizations of the Silk Road countries. 

UzDaily.com

14.10.2011 10:59