VNAT’s Vice Chairman Ha Van Sieu heading the delegation of Vietnam National Authority of Tourism attending the Opening Ceremony (Photo: VNAT)

Speaking at the Opening Ceremony, H.E Mr. Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev, President of Uzbekistan, shared, the tourism industry has been severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. However, thanks to the timely and effective actions of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and national tourism agencies, the tourism industry is gradually recovering. In 2022, there were about 1 billion tourists travelling abroad, recovering about 70% compared to the time before the Covid. There are many countries that depend on tourism. Tourism brings economic benefits, contributes to prosperity and sustainable development, and creates jobs for related economic sectors.

H.E Mr. Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev, President of Uzbekistan speaking at the Opening Ceremony (Photo: VNAT)

The President of Uzbekistan indicated that it is necessary to restore tourism development to become a driving force for the economy. In recent years, UNWTO has become a strategic partner for the global tourism industry, supporting timely directions and strategies for the industry.

Along with the recovery trend, Uzbekistan is restructuring its economic sector to develop stronger, bringing a better life to its people. One of the initiatives aimed at this goal is to strongly develop the tourism industry. President Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev said, Uzbekistan has implemented many policies to facilitate travel, enhance aviation connectivity (increasing international routes, buying new aircraft, upgrading airports...), loosening visa policies and investment into tourism, in which Samarkand City is one of the most invested locations.

The President of Uzbekistan believes that the 25th UNWTO General Assembly will demonstrate the strength, unity and dynamism of the world tourism industry. Along with that, he expressed his support for UNWTO's initiatives in promoting safe tourism, green tourism, sustainable and comprehensive tourism, promoting investment, and training tourism human resources…

Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization Zurab Pololikashvili said, in 2023, there are 135 member countries attending the General Assembly, this is the largest number ever.

Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization Zurab Pololikashvili speaking at the Opening Ceremony (Photo: VNAT)

Uzbekistan is a beautiful land, the people are friendly and welcoming. Samarkand is a wonderful heritage city, a tourist destination worth experiencing. Secretary-General of UNWTO highly appreciates Uzbekistan's vision and direction on tourism development, which is very comprehensive and shows determination; especially putting people as the centre and top priority; along with timely policies on visa relaxation, strong investment in infrastructure, aviation connections, and human resource training. Uzbekistan has great potential with its young population. Samarkand showcases the rich and proud history of Uzbekistan. It stands as testament to the work of the Uzbek Government in preserving their heritage and embracing tourism as a means of sharing this heritage with people from all over the world.

Now is the time for countries to cooperate and build friendly relations to promote tourism development, emphasised Mr. Zurab.

On this occasion, Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres sent online congratulations to the Opening Ceremony of the UNWTO General Assembly. H.E Mr. António Guterres indicated that tourism is one of the biggest sectors in the global economy, it has great power to bridge cultures, generate new opportunities and promote sustainable development. However, tourism is also impacted by interlinked global challenges.

Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres sent online congratulations to the Opening Ceremony of the UNWTO General Assembly (Photo: VNAT)

Many developing countries that depend on tourism are facing a growing financial crisis. According to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the World must harness the full potential of tourism to get back on track to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

H.E Mr. António Guterres stressed that it requires investing in sustainable and inclusive tourism - adopting zero-emission pathways; protecting the environment and biodiversity; creating decent jobs; and contributing to resilient social protection systems.

The UNWTO General Assembly is the most important and largest event of the UNWTO, held every 2 years, alternately in UNWTO member countries. At the General Assembly, members listened to the Secretary General report on the world tourism situation, development trends and challenges of global tourism; members discussed the Organization's next 2-year work plan; elect key positions of affiliated agencies.

The 25th UNWTO General Assembly takes place in Uzbekistan from 16-20 October with a number of main events including: Plenary Sessions; UNWTO Tourism Investment Forum; UNWTO Tourism Education Forum; 119th and 120th Sessions of the Executive Council of UNWTO; UNWTO Best Tourism Village Award Ceremony 2023; Committee Meetings under the Executive Council (on Data, Funding, Sustainable Tourism, Competitiveness...); Plenary Meeting of UNWTO Associate Members.

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