Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, during the summit of the Commonwealth of Independent States, drew special attention to the importance of expanding tourism exchange between the countries of the Association.

In this regard, the Head of State expressed his readiness to take an active part in the implementation of joint programs and tourism products as part of the promotion of the common tourism space of the CIS.

In this regard, it is natural to note the announcement of the city of Samarkand as the Cultural Capital of the CIS in 2024. At the same time, Shavkat Mirziyoyev proposed holding a Week of Culture, Art and Cinema of the CIS countries in this city this coming spring.

This will undoubtedly contribute to the development of tourism not only in our country, but also in all states of the Association and will allow more efficient use of tourist facilities, improve the quality of services provided, and ultimately increase tourist flows.

Samarkand is one of the most brilliant pearls of the Silk Road. The iconic object built in the city is the International Tourist Center "Great Silk Road". The city hosts numerous international exhibitions, fairs, and conferences that contribute to the stable development of tourism, cooperation and exchange of experience with foreign partners.

It is noteworthy that these days the meeting of the 25th Anniversary Session of the General Assembly of the UN World Tourism Organization is being held for the first time in Samarkand. Representatives from 160 countries take part in the event.

At the same time, today there is an increasing interest in the history and current state of cultural monuments. Tourism is the best way of cultural communications. At the same time, Uzbekistan is of significant interest to tourists whose goal is cultural, educational and historical routes.

This is due both to the presence of a large number of unique objects and a rich cultural and historical heritage. Currently, the World Cultural Heritage List includes four material objects - the historical centers of Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand and Shakhrisabz.

11 cultural features are classified as intangible cultural heritage of UNESCO, including the holiday of Navruz - the new year according to the Zoroastrian calendar; Katta Ashula - traditional chants in the Fergana Valley; Shoshmakom - a collection of folk songs; Askia - the art of wit; Baysun cultural space; Lazgi - Khorezm dance; Pilaf is a national dish; Uzbek atlas and adras; Miniature art; The art of bakhshi - national stories accompanied by traditional music; Sericulture and traditional production of silk for weaving; as well as Traditional stories and anecdotes about Khoja Nasreddin.

It is also important to emphasize that the formation of the tourism industry has been identified by Uzbekistan as one of the priority sectors of the economy. In this regard, the development of this industry is a critical part of the development strategy of the Republic.

Tourism in recent years has become one of the most dynamically developing economic sectors in the world - before the start of the pandemic, it provided 10.3% of global GDP (at the end of 2022 - 7.6%, and by the end of this year it is expected to be 11.6% ), 30% of services exports and one out of every 11 jobs.

To summarize, we can say that active work on the development of the tourism industry as part of the promotion of a single tourism space of the CIS will certainly provide an opportunity to raise this area of all Commonwealth member countries to a new level of development, increase the well-being of peoples and use the fruits of progress.

Iroda Imamova

Leading Researcher,

Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies

under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan