On 10 September of this year, Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization, visited the International Academy of Tourism in Samarkand. During his visit, Zurab Pololikashvili, accompanied by the Rector of “Silk Road” International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage, Aziz Abdukhakimov, closely acquainted with the activities and educational processes of the International Academy of Tourism.

         As information, it is worth mentioning that the International Academy of Tourism was inaugurated in October 2023 within the framework of the 25th anniversary session of the General Assembly of the World Tourism Organisation, which was held in Samarkand. The educational program of the Academy has been developed taking into account the experience of Swiss hospitality schools. Training will be conducted by foreign teachers. Graduates of the Academy will receive a certificate recognised by partner educational institutions. Upon completion of each module, students gain work experience in the field through internships in private partner companies.

- When the academy was opened during our anniversary session of last year, it was still unfinished. Today we see that a completely different atmosphere has been created at the academy. I would like to thank the leadership of Uzbekistan for this. There are not many such institutions in the world, and our Academy in Samarkand undoubtedly stands out among them with its capabilities. Nowadays, African and Latin American countries are also interested in establishing educational institutions that train specialists in tourism. Today I am sure that we can show them Samarkand Academy as an example. Next year we want to hold the second international forum in Samarkand dedicated to tourism training. And this academy will be the main base for this, says Zurab Pololikashivili, Secretary General of the World Tourism Organisation.

         During the event, the Secretary General of the World Tourism Organisation Zurab Pololikashvili was awarded the title of Honorary Professor of “Silk Road” International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage.