TASHKENT - On April 1, in Tashkent, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev discussed with UN Secretary-General Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais prospects for expanding partnership aimed at achieving ambitious tourism goals.
Over the past eight years, tourism to Uzbekistan has grown sixfold, reaching almost 12 million people. By 2030, the country plans to welcome 20 million tourists and increase the industry's contribution to GDP to 7%, Gazeta.uz reports.
The parties praised the dynamic of their cooperation: the UN Tourism General Assembly was held in Samarkand in 2023, the International Tourism Academy was established, and a thematic office on "Tourism on the Silk Road" will soon open. At Tashkent's initiative, the UN adopted a resolution declaring 2027 the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism.
During the meeting, a commitment to deepening cooperation in key areas was confirmed: improving the international legal framework, implementing joint investment projects, expanding expert and technical cooperation, and training highly qualified personnel for the hospitality industry. These steps are intended to strengthen Uzbekistan's position as one of the leading tourism hubs in Central Asia.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
April 1, 2026