Samarkand to Host International Summit: President of Uzbekistan Announces Anniversary Summit of World Tourism Organization

Samarkand, Uzbekistan - In an exciting development for the tourism industry, Samarkand has been chosen as the host city for the upcoming anniversary summit of the General Assembly of the World Tourism Organization.  The announcement was made by Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, during the Central Asia -European Union summit in Cholponota on the 2nd of June.

President Mirziyoyev proposed a collaborative effort among Central Asian countries to formulate a program aimed at supporting the sustainable development of tourism in the region.  This program would include various initiatives such as infrastructure modernization, restoration of historical sites, expansion of air services, the creation of unified tourism products and routes, and simplification of visa procedures.

The 25th session of the General Assembly of the World Tourism Organization, to be held in Samarkand, will feature several notable events.  Alongside the summit, there will be an Investment Forum, a Ministerial Panel on Education, the "European Union - Central Asia" tourism forum, an ecotourism festival, and an award ceremony honoring the best "tourist villages," among other activities. 

Samarkand has proven itself as a prominent destination for high-level international gatherings.  In 2022, the city successfully hosted the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in September and the summit of the Organization of Turkic States in November.  Earlier this year, Samarkand was the venue for the Conference of Ministers of Afghanistan's neighboring countries, the Council of Foreign Ministers of the CIS, and a meeting of Foreign Ministers in the "Central Asia-Russia" format.  Additionally, the city held a meeting of the Board of Directors of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) from the 16th-18th of May.

The selection of Samarkand as the venue for yet another international summit is a testament to its growing prominence as a global hub for diplomacy, tourism, and cultural exchange.  The city's rich historical heritage, combined with its commitment to sustainable development, makes it an ideal host for such significant events.

The anniversary summit of the General Assembly of the World Tourism Organization promises to be a milestone occasion, fostering cooperation among nations and opening new avenues for tourism development in Central Asia.