Uzbekistan To Host UNWTO General Assembly

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 8 (Bernama) -- The 25th session of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) General Assembly, which will be held for the first time in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, serves as a testament to the country's strong position in the world tourism market.

Chairman of the Tourism Committee under Uzbekistan's Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change, Umid Shadiev, stated that Uzbekistan hosting the general assembly also demonstrates the country's effectiveness in international relations.

"Holding of the general assembly in Uzbekistan opens up new opportunities to raise the status of our country in the international arena, further expanding relations with international organisations, and promoting cultural and tourism potentials," he said in a statement made available to Bernama by the Uzbekistan embassy in Malaysia.

Shadiev noted that the biennial event, which is scheduled for Oct 16 to 20, will gather heads of government agencies, industry representatives and international business corporations engaged in the tourism sector from approximately 160 countries.

"The issues of international cooperation in the field of tourism will be discussed at panel sessions and at a number of other large-scale conferences within the framework of the sessions of the general assembly," he said.

He said an investment forum will also be held, which will showcase Uzbekistan's facilities, regions and projects to major foreign investors. 

Also, there will be an education forum to discuss the importance of investing in tourism education, improving skills, and creating inclusive opportunities for all.

During the event, UNWTO will announce the Best Tourism Villages of the Year. 

Tourism villages from all over the world will be selected with well-developed tourism sectors, promoting regional economic, social and environmental stability while preserving the traditional lifestyle and values of the local people, said Shadiev.

-- BERNAMA