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This conclusion made by the experts of RATE-news was based on the data of Rosstat (Russia’s state statistics committee) taking into account the results of the survey of Russian tour operators working in the travel market of CIS countries.

According to the Russian statistics service, at the first half of 2010 the tourist visit of CIS countries by Russian citizens in comparison with the similar period of last year has considerably increased. Surveyed tour operators confirmed this tendency as a whole.

Any traveler who returns from wanderings in far-away lands, wishes to keep something to remember the acquaintance with a new country and its people. A souvenir made by hands of a master will always revive the memoirs from travel across Uzbekistan, the “golden part” of the ancient Great Silk Road. Having visited a handicraftsman’s workshop or art salon in every cities of the country it is possible to choose a national toy, ware, small boxes painted with varnish miniature, clothes and more many other things to liking.

Uzbekistan is a true finding for fans and collectors of the artistic ceramics. Here, the ceramic art is considered the most ancient national craft, and each region has its school and special features. For instance, in Khorazm the descendants and apprentices of the well-known Khiva master R. Matchanov create pitchers – clay vessels with wide neck covered with turquoise glaze, deep bowls – tubs, traditional lamps – chiroqs decorated with subtle blue and ultramarine ornament. People pf crafts of Samarqand leave nobody indifferent with their amusing small figures depicting the national favorite Ho’ja Nasriddin riding his donkey. They also can make the whole caravans of tiny camels or candlesticks in the shape of fantastic dragons reminding terracotta sculptures, discovered by archeologists in ruins of the ancient Marokand, and thin ceramic drinking bowls for tea at easy contact blows a crystal ringing.

Spain’s Federation for Tourism Journalists and Writers (FEPET) delegation is in Uzbekistan these days to hold the international congress of Spanish writers and journalists writing about tourism.

According to Mariano Palacin, FEPET’s president, they selected Uzbekistan for the international congress in 2010 by no mere chance.

“We are aware of the attention paid by the country to the development and promotion of tourism, and especially the Great Silk Road, which is the famous destination for foreign tourists. Besides, the NAC O’zbekiston Havo Yo’llari has recently launched the direct flights between Spain and Uzbekistan laying an excellent ground for the further promotion of tourism and development of close cooperation between two nations. The wish of acquainting all members of our organization with the beauty of this amazing land became another reason to select your country for this year’s congress. I and a group of FEPET members were lucky to visit Uzbekistan two years ago. Upon the visit, all of us coincided that all our colleagues should visit this place,” he noted.

Visiting Uzbekistan UNWTO Executive Director Zoltan Somogy answers the questions of UT correspondent.

- You know well, the international tourist community in Uzbekistan has accepted the Samarqand and Bukhoro declarations on tourism development on Silk Road, as well as the Khiva declaration on development of cultural-informative tourism. Could you, please, give the characteristics to the role and prospects of participation of Uzbekistan in this unique program of UNWTO?

- As the country located in the center of the Great Silk Road the role of Uzbekistan in this program is quite essential. Uzbekistan possesses the huge cultural heritage that had been enriched during the period when this legendary trading route connected the West and the East. After all, it is no mere chance that UNWTO choose Samarqand as the place for its office location. This town considered the heart of the Silk Road. It was repeatedly marked by the secretary general of our organization Taleb Rifai. That is why Uzbekistan can not limit itself by only participation in this program. All it gives the vast opportunities to both UNWTO and the government of Uzbekistan, as well as local authorities. It also opens the prospects of implementation of new initiatives in tourism development on the Silk Road.