Zoltan Somogy: Uzbekistan’s great prospects for tourism to thrive

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.

- What modern trends in the world tourist market influence on the will of potential travelers to make a trip along the Silk Road countries?

- The main reason, in my opinion, is the uniqueness of material and non-material heritage of the Silk Road having preserved in the countries of the region. Mainly these facts induce modern travelers to choose this tourist product. It is my first time in Uzbekistan, and today during the excursion across Tashkent I am convinced, how carefully you treat not only architectural monuments and constructions, but huge cultural heritage as a whole.

- In your opinion, what is the role of the UNWTO supporting office in Samarqand in promoting of the brand “Silk Road”?

- We are interested in further development and advancement of the brand “Silk Road”. UNWTO together with tourist administrations of the countries of the region can represent this brand at the major tourist fairs in Berlin, London, Madrid and other cities. I would like to note that implementing this program, UNWTO also promotes the advancement of Uzbekistan as the considerable tourist direction on this way. The potential of our office in Samarqand is far of exhausting. We are going to use more actively the knowledge and experience of its experts, and also to provide all participants with the access to database of UNWTO on the Silk Road.

- Taking into account the stagnation in the European travel market and revitalization of Asian tourism markets, what do you think Uzbekistan make for attracting additional tourist traffic?

- Quite right, today Uzbekistan has to pay particular attention to the tourist markets in Asia, primarily China and India. Uzbekistan is located in the heart of the Eurasian continent, surrounded by countries that generate major traveler flows. Your country may become a link on the Silk Road. Arriving in Tashkent, I had an opportunity to see this, seeing the flow of transit passengers traveling from Asia to Europe and back. That’s why you must use your unique chance to become a true regional hub between East and West.

- Uzbekistan has now begun upgrading its travel sector, developing public-private partnership. For example, UNWTO assists Uzbekistan in the introduction of modern methods of tourism statistics. What other efforts do you think the country should take to enhance the contribution of this sector in the economy?

- As far as I know, Uzbekistan is preparing a new national strategy for tourism development. But to know where to go further, it is necessary to conduct an objective assessment of activities, opportunities and experiences. The capacity building program for tourism must involve private travel businesses, which is already being done in Uzbekistan. Speaking about the introduction of modern methods of statistics, I want to note that last month the UNWTO and Uzbekturism held a seminar on the implementation of the additional account in tourism, which is of great importance to assess the role of this sector in the country. I should add that Uzbekistan has everything for the successful development of this important sector of the economy. So the Uzbek tourism market has excellent prospects for investment.