Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- The 65th meeting of the European Regional Commission of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has opened in Samarkand.

The event is chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the State Committee for Tourism Development, Aziz Abdukhakimov.

The event is attended representatives of ministries and tourism departments from more than 40 countries by online video conference.

The main theme of the 65th session of the UNWTO Regional Committee for Europe was the impact of the pandemic on tourism and overcoming its effects.

The event was opened by the Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the State Committee for Tourism Development, Aziz Abduhakimov and Chairman of the Regional Commission - Minister of Tourism of Greece Harry Theoharis.

“As a result of radical reforms carried out in recent years on the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, unprecedented opportunities have opened up for all sectors of the Uzbek economy, including the tourism industry,” said Aziz Abdukhakimov.

He also noted the Presidential Decree from 28 May “On urgent measures to support the tourism sector to reduce the negative impact of the coronavirus pandemic” and “On additional measures to develop the tourism sector while strictly complying with the requirements of the enhanced sanitary and epidemiological safety regime.”

In addition, it was noted that Uzbekistan pays great attention to the social protection of the tourism sector. For example, the services of guides and guides are included in the list of tax-free activities in which self-employed persons can engage, and also guides receive a pension upon reaching retirement age.

Along with this, the choice of November as the month of “third-age tourism” is of particular importance, since this month special tourist packages for elderly people will be developed and benefits will be provided.

“In general, we all need to combine our efforts to overcome the current crisis in the tourism sector. Only then can we achieve sustainable development of the tourism industry during a pandemic, ”said the Deputy Prime Minister.

Following a speech by UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili, Director of the European Department Alessandra Priante introduced the participants to the work done in Europe during the COVID-19 period and the initiatives planned for the future. The meeting also included interdepartmental discussions on the topic “Response Policies for COVID-19,” as well as speeches by the UNWTO and the International Finance Corporation on green financing instruments.