Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 20 October, as part of the anniversary 25th session of the UN General Assembly of the World Tourism Organization, the opening ceremony of the UNWTO Thematic Office was held in Samarkand.

The event was attended by the Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Aziz Abdukhakimov, the UN Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) , Zurab Pololikashvili, ministers and heads of delegations from UNWTO member countries, media representatives, and others.

"The opening of the UNWTO Thematic Office in the center of the Silk Road, in Samarkand, emphasizes Uzbekistan's commitment to the traditions of hospitality and the development of the tourism industry among the countries of the Organization. This also highlights the initiative of our head of state, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, announced at the opening of the 25th session of the UNWTO General Assembly, regarding the establishment of a special international award, 'Tourism on the Silk Road,' for contributions to the promotion of the brand, which will be managed by the Thematic Office," said A. Abdukhakimov at the opening of the event.

The Thematic Office is established with the aim of consolidating projects, initiatives, and research related to the international brand "Silk Road" under the auspices of the UNWTO. It is intended to coordinate the activities of tourism organizations and experts contributing to the development of tourism on the Silk Road, for further evaluation and recommendations. The Office is considered a Category 1 authorized organization by the UNWTO, adhering to its management policies, and is an integral part of the Organization's work program and budget. The office building is located on Babur Mirzo Street in the historic city of Samarkand.

It is worth noting that the opening of the UNWTO office in Uzbekistan will provide a foundation for the country to take a leading position in the tourism market among the Silk Road countries and attract new projects for innovative industry development.