Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- As part of the XXIII session of the World Tourism Assembly (UNWTO), held in St. Petersburg, acting Chairman of the State Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Tourism Development Abdulaziz Akkulov met with UNWTO Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the further development of cooperation between Uzbekistan and the UNWTO.

Zurab Pololikashvili noted the importance of the reforms undertaken by Uzbekistan in the development of tourism in recent years, and expressed his readiness to provide comprehensive support to the country in holding the 65th session of the UNWTO European Council in Samarkand.

The parties discussed the issues of holding the 25th session of the World Tourism Assembly in Uzbekistan. The Secretary General supported the idea and noted that it would be considered during the XXIV session of the UNWTO in Morocco.

Also, a meeting was held between Abdulaziz Akkulov and the head of the UNWTO Risk and Crisis Management Department Dr. Dirk Glesser, where the parties discussed issues of sustainable tourism development in Uzbekistan.

During the meeting, the chairman of the State Committee for Tourism Development put forward the idea of opening a tourist observatory at the Silk Road International Tourism University in Samarkand. Mr. Glesser supported this initiative and made the necessary recommendations for the creation of an observatory.

During the session, Abdulaziz Akkulov met with the President and CEO of the World Tourism Forum in Lucerne, Martin Bart, to discuss the promotion of the tourism potential of Uzbekistan. Cooperation with this company provides for a two-year partnership program, which provides not only an increase in the number of tourists, but also the development of infrastructure and hotel facilities in the country and a culture of receiving guests.

In addition, the program plans to hold three international events. After signing a contract with a foreign company, the organization will provide exclusive services to Uzbekistan aimed at developing the country's tourism potential, cooperation in providing the necessary advice on attracting investment in the country and developing infrastructure.