ТАSHKENT, September 15. /Dunyo IA/.   In the United Arab Emirates, Chairman of the Tourism Committee of Uzbekistan Abdulaziz Akkulov met with Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) Shaikha Nasser Al Nuwais, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

According to the uzbektourism.uz portal, meeting focused on further strengthening strategic cooperation between Uzbekistan and UN Tourism, promoting the principles of sustainable tourism development, enhancing the competitiveness of tourism destinations, developing human capital and expanding international and regional cooperation.

Particular attention was paid to preparations for the official opening of the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism 2027. The official opening ceremony is planned to take place in Tashkent in November 2026 as part of the Tashkent International Tourism Fair “Tourism on the Silk Road”. The initiative to hold the opening ceremony in Uzbekistan was put forward by President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev on 1 April 2026 during a meeting with the leadership of UN Tourism.

An important outcome of the talks was the signing of an Agreement on the organisation of the official opening ceremony of the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism 2027. The document provides the necessary legal and organisational framework for practical preparations for the event, as well as for coordinating measures to be implemented by Uzbekistan and UN Tourism.

Holding the opening ceremony in Tashkent will contribute to promoting the principles of sustainable and resilient tourism at the international level. At the same time, this major international event will serve as an important platform for further strengthening Uzbekistan’s active participation in shaping the global tourism agenda and advancing international cooperation within the framework of the International Year.

During the meeting, the Secretary-General also stated that the development of the International Safe Tourism Code, initiated by the Head of State, is under her personal supervision. According to her, work with countries and international experts in this area is currently being accelerated.