Samarkand, Uzbekistan recently played host to the 25th Session of UNWTO General Assembly. The event was organised from October 16th to October 20th.
The 25th Session of UNWTO General assembly recently concluded in Uzbekistan at Samarkand, one of the oldest inhabited countries of the world and the de facto cultural capital of the Central Asian republic. It was the first time that Uzbekistan hosted the prestigious UNWTO General Assembly. The event was organised from October 16th to October 20th.
Reinforcing the critical role played by UNWTO in guiding the global tourism sector, the event attracted global tourism stakeholders, thought leaders, heads of government agencies, representatives of the industry, and international business corporations engaged in the tourism sector from about 160 countries.
Hosting the 25th General Assembly of UNWTO in Samarkand not only highlighted Uzbekistan’s culture, tourism, investment, and intellectual potential but also strengthen international ties in trade, economy, tourism, and culture, serving as a bridge connecting Uzbekistan with the global community and further enhancing its international relations. The event also helped enhance the country’s investment potential, promote sustainable development, and attract foreign investment while preserving Uzbekistan’s rich cultural heritage and natural resources.
This biennial gathering, representing the supreme governing body of UNWTO, brought together member States from across the globe to engage in discussions and address the significant challenges currently facing the tourism industry. The event was also attended by leading travel agencies and DMCs from countries such as Saudi Arabia, Albania, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Côte d’Ivoire, Indonesia, Monaco, Niger, Panama, Portugal, Sierra Leone, Ukraine, Uruguay and many others.
Key figures from leading international organizations, including the United Nations, expressed their recognition of UNWTO’s role and keen interest in the event. UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Rebeca Grynspan of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Juan Carlos Salazar of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and European Commission Vice-President Margaritis Schinas, have all underscored the importance of tourism in global development and praised UNWTO’s contributions.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres, says: “Tourism brings progress. As one of the biggest sectors in the global economy, it has great power to bridge cultures, generate new opportunities and promote sustainable development. But tourism is also impacted by interlinked global challenges. I know that we can count on the UN World Tourism Organization to carry this vision forward and together, build a better future, for people and planet.”
Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), said: “The significance of tourism as a tool for economic development cannot be overstated… The Member States of UNWTO are admirably working to transform tourism and build a more resilient and sustainable sector. (UNCTAD) will continue to work closely with UNWTO around our shared goals and vision.”
Juan Carlos Salazar, Secretary-General of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) says: “Thanks to new technologies and our shared commitments to innovation, collaboration and entrepreneurship, UNWTO and ICAO will continue to leverage the full potential of global tourism growth to empower young people with high-value jobs and to lead other industry sectors by example, focused on people, planet and prosperity.”
European Commission Vice-President Margaritis Schinas, says: “Tourism in Europe and around the world has rebounded strongly from the devastating effects of COVID-19. However, amidst this discovery we must not forget the lessons of the pandemic nor ignore the global challenges our economies and societies continue to face… there is no better place to do so than the uniquely diverse gathering of global tourism leaders across the public, private, non-profit, and academic sectors, that personify the UNWTO General Assembly.”
The General Assembly served as a platform for Member States to discuss, deliberate, and approve the UNWTO Programme of Work. UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili presented his report emphasizing the advancements in core priorities over the past two years, particularly in tourism investments, education, and innovation.
