Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- A meeting was held at the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan on the development of pilgrim tourism and the training of specialists in this direction. The event was opened by Adviser to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Rector of the International Islamic Academy Rustam Kasimov and Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the State Committee for Tourism Development Aziz Abdukhakimov.

The event was also attended by business entities operating in the field of pilgrim tourism, academy scientists and representatives of the Committee. "With the introduction of a visa-free regime in 2018-2019, the flow of tourists from Indonesia increased by 170%, Malaysia - by 158%, Turkey - by 154%, Muslim tourists from the UAE - by 153%. (Global Muslim Travel Index) Uzbekistan moved up 10 positions (from 32nd to 22nd place) and entered the top 10 "Most Attractive" and "With a High Level of Security and Tolerance" of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation member countries attracting At the same time, our country was recognized in the Halal Travel Frontier 2020 report as the country that initiated a new trend in the Muslim tourism market, restoring the Islamic heritage, ”said Aziz Abdukhakimov.

In this regard, Rustam Kasimov noted that the flow of tourists from all over the world going on a trip to Uzbekistan, wanting to enjoy the history of our country, its nature and the heritage of great scientists, is one of the factors that determine the image and position of Uzbekistan in the world. “The effective use of the existing potential in the development of pilgrim tourism will undoubtedly serve the development of our country,” added Rustam Kasimov.

Within the framework of the event, it is planned to use the opportunities available at the Academy in order to develop pilgrim tourism, effectively use the buildings of the Academy, conference rooms and student dormitories to organize educational tours for foreign students and researchers "Academic tourism" and "mams’ tour" for imams of the CIS countries, to provide access to the resource center and library of the Academy for foreign researchers who have visited the tourist destination, to provide tourists with access to the holy places located on the territory of the Academy-Shaykhantokhur, Tulabek (Kaldyrgochbek) - proposals were made to further improve the necessary conditions at these sites. Aziz Abdukhakimov proposed to strengthen the propaganda campaign by opening the international satellite TV channel "Al-Bukhari" and showing on it the potential of pilgrim tourism in Uzbekistan in the languages of countries with a high proportion of Muslim population, as well as to create an innovative museum and center of pilgrim tourism.

Following the event, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the State Committee for Tourism Development and the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan. In addition, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan and the International University of Tourism "Silk Road".

In accordance with these agreements, the experts of the Committee will reach an agreement on holding training courses for students of the Academy, lectures with the participation of international experts and ambassadors of pilgrim tourism in Uzbekistan, master classes for students with the participation of foreign travel agencies, organizing a number of industry events, implementing joint scientific and educational projects.