At a meeting at the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) head office in Madrid on 16-20 October, an agreement was signed between the Government of Uzbekistan and the organisation to hold the anniversary session of the organisation’s General Assembly in Samarkand, as well as discussions on the organisation of the high-level event.

At the meeting, UNWTO Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili, First Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Ulugbek Ashamov and Rector of the Silk Road International Tourism University Aziz Abdukhakimov signed a memorandum on the establishment of the UNWTO International Tourism Academy in Samarkand.

It should be said that for the first time in the history of our country, an international organization, a member of the UN family, is taking another important step to the adoption of the General Assembly. The General Assembly is not only a broad demonstration of Uzbekistan's rich culture, tourism potential and investment appeal to the international community, but also an event that ushers in a new era for the international tourism industry.

In fact, this initiative was put forward at a meeting between the head of state and the organisation’s secretary-general, and was supported by the country's leader.

In turn, the establishment of the International Academy of Tourism in Samarkand will further strengthen the 30-year collaboration between UNWTO and Uzbekistan by making it possible to train international tourism professionals.

Above all, an international space will be created for in-depth study, enrichment and practical application of foreign experience.