Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- The city of Shakhrisabz was declared the tourism capital of the Economic Cooperation Organization in 2024.

In this regard, a number of international events will be held on 25-26 April.

The prestigious event will be attended by the leadership of the ECO secretariat, heads and specialists of tourism departments of the organization’s member countries, honored guests and representatives of the media.

Within the framework of the forum, bilateral and multilateral meetings will be held with the participation of officials from the tourism industry of the organization’s member countries.

It is expected that they will consider the exchange of experience for the development of the industry, discussion of solutions to existing problems, improvement of tourism infrastructure, ecotourism, ethnotourism and other areas, use of opportunities, development of tourism entrepreneurship, including increasing youth activity and promoting achievements in the region.

As part of this event, the “International folk” festival will be held with the participation of folklore groups of the ECO member countries, the “Modest fashion show” competition among young designers, the “Shakhrisabz culinary duel” with the participation of famous chefs, the “International Ethnosports Games” festival, as well as an exhibition dedicated to the results of the "plein air" with the participation of leading foreign and local artists.

Holding the event in Uzbekistan is important for attracting the attention of the world community and broadly promoting the country’s tourism opportunities.

Taking into account the reforms being carried out in Uzbekistan in the field of tourism, the rich history and cultural heritage of the city of Shakhrisabz, on 13 December 2022, it was announced that the city of Shakhrisabz was awarded the status of the tourism capital of the Economic Cooperation Organization for 2024 at the IV meeting of tourism ministers of the ECO member countries.

The event was organized by the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change and the Tourism Committee.