This forum was held jointly with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and other specialized agencies of the United Nations (UNEP, UNDP, UNCTAD).
The opening of the forum was addressed by the Chairman of the UN General Assembly Abdullah Shahid, UNWTO Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili, First Deputy Secretary General of the UN Amina Mohammed, Vice President of Maldives Faisal Nasim, who focused on the key role of the tourism sector in effectively overcoming the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In order to deeply analyze and comprehensively discuss the current challenges and prospects for sustainable recovery of the tourism sector, an interactive dialogue was organized with the participation of leading experts and specialists of the tourism industry representing reputable associations of aviation transport, cruise liners and financial institutions. The moderator was Richard Quest, a well-known TV presenter of the American television company CNN.
During the discussions, practical methods of promoting tourism were considered. Special attention is paid to the issues of increasing the positive multiplier effects of the sustainable recovery of the tourism industry on environmental and social spheres. The key conclusion of the discussions was the need to "decarbonize" the tourism industry as soon as possible by introducing environmentally friendly and energy-efficient technologies into all chains of this sector.
Within the framework of the high-level debates, three thematic round tables were held on the issues of inclusive recovery of the tourism sector from the pandemic, accelerating the transformation of this sphere taking into account climate change, as well as increasing investments in the development of sustainable tourism.
The Permanent Representative of Uzbekistan to the UN, Ambassador Bakhtiyor Ibrahimov, speaking at the event, provided detailed information about the measures taken in our country to sustainably restore the tourism industry and raise it to the strategic level of the republic's economy.
It was particularly noted that our country attaches great importance to the development of domestic tourism along with attracting international travelers. In this regard, the essence and content of the recently adopted decree of the President of Uzbekistan "On additional measures to diversify domestic tourism services" is revealed. It was reported on the benefits and preferences provided to the subjects of the tourism industry in order to significantly increase the volume and improve the quality of domestic tourism services, as well as to ensure employment and expand the sources of income of the population.
The participants were informed about the favorable conditions created for foreign tourists within the framework of the project "Uzbekistan. Safe travel GUARANTEED", reports the news agency "Dunyo".
The Ambassador recalled the approval of the candidacy of Samarkand as the venue for the next 25th session of the UNWTO General Assembly in 2023 and expressed confidence that this event will become an effective platform for consolidating international efforts to develop tourism.
