Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Oct. 14 / Trend, D. Azizov /
Uzbekistan was elected member of the executive council of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) for the European regional group for 2011-2015.
This decision was taken last week within the 19th session of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in South Korean city of Gyeongju, "Jahon" agency under the Uzbek Foreign Ministry said.
The UN World Tourism Organization appreciated Uzbekistan's role in strengthening international cooperation to develop tourism infrastructure on the Great Silk Way. It also appreciated the work carried out in the country to study and disseminate cultural heritage, restore and preserve ancient monuments and architectural complexes.
There are more than 4,000 historical and architectural monuments in Uzbekistan, located in the heart of the Great Silk Way. Ancient monuments of tourist centers of the country - Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Shakhrisabz are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
At present, Uzbekistan is a country with highly developed tourism infrastructure. It has modern hotels, meeting international standards.
Uzbekistan actively expands cooperation with the leading travel agencies. It participates in various international forums. It regularly takes initiatives to intensify the cooperation in this sphere.
"Tourism on Silk Way" fair has been organized since 1995. It is a major international forum not only in Uzbekistan but also throughout Central Asia.
"Tourism on Silk Way - 2011" international tourism fair will be held in Tashkent on November 2-4. About 100 leading travel companies from 25 countries worldwide will attend the fair.
Uzbekistan is a member of the UNWTO, uniting more than 150 countries since 1993.
A regional office of the UNWTO was opened in Samarkand in 2004. It aims to coordinate the activities of national tourism organizations of the Great Silk Way.