Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) - A delegation of the Republic of Uzbekistan, headed by Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for Tourism Development Ulugbek Azamov, is visiting Japan to participate in the Tourism Expo Japan 2019 international tourism exhibition, which is being held for the first time in Osaka.

During the exhibition, the head of the delegation took part in the 3rd Ministerial Conference, organized with the support of the World Tourism Organization at the UN (UNWTO). The conference was held under the motto "Activation of the community: people and culture." Delegates from 23 countries, including leaders of international organizations, including UNWTO, the World Tourism and Travel Council (WTTC), and the Asia and Pacific Tourism Association (RATA), exchanged views on how to effectively develop the community while meeting its sustainable development goals. The conference participants were provided with detailed information about the rich tourism potential of our country, the dynamic and large-scale reforms carried out by the Government of Uzbekistan in the field of tourism development, created favorable conditions for foreign tourists, as well as the achievements of the republic in this field.

It was noted that the reforms carried out under the leadership of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, are primarily aimed at improving the well-being of the people, creating new jobs and promoting the development of other areas that contribute to the development of tourism. In this context, the participants were informed that the government of the country pays great attention to the development of the industry, including crafts, silkworm production, carpet weaving, cooking, etc.

It was emphasized that the ongoing reforms give the expected results, as evidenced by an increase in the number of foreign tourists arriving in the republic by 2 times - from 2.4 to 5.4 million at the end of 2018. In addition, attention is focused that the tourism policy of Uzbekistan is also aimed at creating infrastructure in the tourism sector, preserving ancient historical monuments.

Currently, work is underway with UNESCO and other organizations to create a tourism infrastructure for the preservation and promotion of historical monuments and cultural values. It should be noted that in January-September 2018, the number of Japanese tourists visiting Uzbekistan made up 13 124 people, and since 2019, the number of tourists from Japan to Uzbekistan has increased by 18 577 people.