19.01.2021

Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan A. Abdukhakimov paid a working visit to Madrid, Spain on 18 January. There, A. Abdukhakimov met with the Secretary General of the World Tourism Organization (WTO) Zurab Pololikashvili.

During the meeting, the Secretary General noted that tourism has been selected by the President of Uzbekistan as a priority of the economy. In addition, Mr. Pololikashvili highly appreciated the implementation of the visa-free regime for citizens of 86 countries, the e-visa system for citizens of more than 50 countries introduced by Uzbekistan government which in turn led to the increase of foreign tourists’ number to fivefold.  At the same time, during the coronavirus pandemic, the president of the country initiated to support entrepreneurs in the field of tourism, decisions in force until the end of 2021 were recognized as exemplary initiatives to save thousands of jobs of the tour industry.

A special project “Uzbekistan. The system "Safe travel GUARANTEED" was also highly recognized by the hosting side.

In this regard, Zurab Pololikashvili mentioned that only the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan have invested and continue the support of entrepreneurs the most in tourism during the pandemic.

Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Chairman of the State Committee for Tourism Development Aziz Abdukhakimov within the framework of the meeting in Madrid proposed to hold the XXV session of the UNWTO in 2023 in Samarkand. UNWTO Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili welcomed the Deputy Prime Minister's initiative and said he was ready to fully support Uzbekistan in this matter.

Deputy Prime Minister, in turn, on behalf of the Government of Uzbekistan, acknowledged the UNWTO Secretary General for close cooperation and assistance in holding various international events in Uzbekistan and promoting tourism news about Uzbekistan through its platforms.

At the end of the meeting, the UN Secretary General remarked that he personally supports the candidacy of Uzbekistan for membership in the UNWTO Executive Council for 2021-2023 and mentioned its readiness to provide all possible assistance in this regard. The UNWTO also welcomed A. Abdukhakimov's proposal to hold the 25th session of the WTO General Assembly in 2023 in Samarkand.

It's notable to mention that participants of the meeting agreed to organize an international "Global Tourism Investment Forum" for investors in tourism industry and Bostanlyk in Tashkent region was chosen as a venue for the event.

The parties also agreed to attract highly qualified professors and teachers to the International University of Tourism "Silk Road" and create modern curriculum for training in relevant areas.

Agreements have been reached on the organization of international events within the framework of youth tourism programs and inviting outstanding Uzbek youth to tourism related events abroad.