European tourism leaders met to advance plans to strengthen collaboration within and beyond the region, including the ground-breaking Agenda for Europe.
The UNWTO European Commission held a meeting within the framework of the 25th session of the United Nations General Assembly in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The meeting, the second of the year, brought together high-level representatives from around 40 European countries to discuss challenges affecting the region’s tourism industry and the way forward.
With its rich history and cultural significance, Samarkand serves as an exciting backdrop for discussions about the future of European tourism.
UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili expressed his gratitude to the Government of Uzbekistan for its warm hospitality to all Member States and participants of the UNWTO’s Supreme Judicial Assembly, saying: “Samarkand, with its rich history and cultural importance, It serves as an inspirational backdrop for our activities.” We will discuss the future of tourism in Europe and enable us to form a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient tourism sector. ”
European tourism agenda
Members of the European Commission, at the 66th session of the Commission chaired by Greece, discussed the initiative “European Agenda – Tourism that leads the change”, proposed by Greece, with the aim of boosting tourism activity in Europe. , was adopted. , increase the level of cooperation and strengthen cooperation with other regions of UNWTO.
The proposed Agenda for Europe was developed by a specialized working group consisting of representatives from Armenia, Cyprus, Greece, Lithuania, Spain, Switzerland and Ukraine (current President of the European Commission). The Working Group consulted with other European Members and the Secretariat in this regard. The Secretary-General will report to the Board and the General Assembly on this proposed topic.
Uzbekistan hosts Silk Road tourism hub
The establishment of UNWTO’s Silk Road Tourism Thematic Office in Samarkand, Uzbekistan was also one of the key topics discussed at the 69th Committee meeting. Recognizing the important role of the Silk Road in promoting global tourism, the Government of Uzbekistan had submitted a proposal to establish the first UNWTO Thematic Office dedicated to promoting Silk Road tourism. He emphasized that this ambitious initiative is another expression of Uzbekistan’s commitment to sustainable and resilient tourism development.
Promoting youth and gender empowerment
The Secretary-General took this opportunity to present to the members of the European Commission the Handbook for Promoting Youth Tourism Participation at National Level, “Youth4Tourism: Youth Tourism Participation at National Level”, as part of the global youth tourism platform. announced the release of a handbook for promoting the Youth participation in the tourism sector at national level. This handbook provides guidelines for hosting physical and virtual events, as well as examples of helpful activities.
As one of UNWTO’s key priorities, the Secretary-General urges national tourism authorities to implement these guidelines and provide children and young people with new opportunities to gain knowledge and develop sustainable skills. requested. Through the handbook, young generations will be able to explore different aspects of responsible and sustainable tourism and develop their own vision for the future of tourism in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. During the committee meeting, Slovenia and Uzbekistan announced their intention to host the World Youth Tourism Summit in 2024 and 2026 in the future.
Also in Samarkand, UNWTO signed a cooperation agreement with the Ministry of Culture and the National University of Moldova on the implementation of skills training and gender and tourism training in the framework of the project “Empowering young women: Sustainable livelihoods through tourism” in the Republic. concluded. of Moldova.
Uzbekistan reaffirms tourism support
Aziz Abdukhakimov, Deputy Chairman of the Government Tourism Development Committee and Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of Uzbekistan, emphasized the firm determination of the Government of Uzbekistan to promote sustainable and environmentally friendly tourism. He said: “Today, international tourism is demonstrating its efficiency and resilience to new challenges and realizations. For our country, the tourism industry is a strategic industry, contributing to the growth of prosperity and creating new jobs. , strengthening social and humanitarian bonds in society.” ”
As an integral part of the historic Silk Road, Uzbekistan is making comprehensive efforts to promote this tourist destination and is committed to its long-term development by establishing UNWTO’s first Silk Road Tourism Thematic Office in Samarkand. We aim to ensure that
European Commission Samarkand, Uzbekistan
European Commission Samarkand, Uzbekistan
European Commission Samarkand, Uzbekistan
European Commission Samarkand, Uzbekistan
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