The plenary session of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) General Assembly was kicked off on 18 October 2023 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. ECO delegation headed by the Secretary General Ambassador Khusrav Noziri is also attending the meeting.
Inaugurating the event, Honourable Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of Uzbekistan Mr. Aziz Abdukahimov briefed the plenary about the country’s tourism intiatives, including expanding transport connectivity, declaring 2025 as the World Year of Inclusive Tourism, creation of UNWTO International Tourism Academy in Samarkand and establishment of a Council of Historic Cities for Tourism.
Secretary-General of UNWTO Ambassador Zurab Pololikashvili presented his Report to the Assembly on current trends of international tourism, outlining how the Organization has led the global tourism response to the unprecedented crisis caused by COVID-19 as well as programmes aimed to build a powerful global tourism sector.
The General Assembly will consider the different reports of the organization including the comprehensive overview of the activities, as well as the challenges and priorities in various areas. The ECO delegation will continue its meetings with the stakeholders during its visit to Samarkand.
