TASHKENT, September 28. /Dunyo IA/.   A celebratory event dedicated to September 27^th - World Tourism Day - was held in Tashkent with the participation of representatives of the tourism industry, government and public organisations, entrepreneurs, industry veterans and partner organisations, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

According to the Tourism Committee, at the beginning of the event, Sh. Asadov, Head of the Communications Department of the Presidential Administration and Press Secretary to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, read out a congratulatory message from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev addressed to representatives of the tourism industry.

President’s message noted that the country’s policy of openness, the simplification of the visa regime, and the expansion of transport and hotel infrastructure have provided a strong impetus to the development of tourism. In particular, it was noted that around 12 million foreign tourists visited Uzbekistan in 2025, with these achievements made possible by the dedicated efforts of thousands of people working in the tourism sector.

Participants particularly welcomed the proposal put forward in the President’s message to establish the honorary title of “Honoured Worker of Tourism of the Republic of Uzbekistan” in recognition of the contribution of tourism industry professionals.

Ambitious goals of increasing the number of foreign tourists to 20 million by 2030, raising tourism’s share in gross domestic product to 7 percent, and increasing tourism services exports to more than $8 billion require new approaches, initiative and a high level of responsibility from all officials and specialists working in the sector.

In this regard, recognising the initiatives, professional excellence and practical contributions of people dedicated to the development of tourism is of particular importance. As part of the event, active specialists, government employees, representatives of public organisations, entrepreneurs and social-sector workers were honoured with the “Tourism Fidoyisi” badge.

Event also featured new projects and initiatives being implemented in the tourism sector. In particular, the results of the first stage of the national souvenir competition “Uzbek Gift Contest”, jointly organised by the Tourism Committee, the “Hunarmand” Association and the Academy of Arts of Uzbekistan, were announced. More than 600 entries were submitted to the competition. Following the jury’s assessment, 10 outstanding artisans were selected and awarded in the fields of wood, bone and stone carving, embroidery, jewellery, traditional doll-making and textile production.

Special projects “Gastro Marketplace” and “Tourist Friendly Restaurant”, aimed at developing gastronomic tourism, were also presented. These initiatives are designed to further improve service standards, promote Uzbekistan’s national cuisine among international audiences and strengthen the country’s gastronomic potential as a tourism product.

Cultural programme featured an interactive quiz entitled “Omadli Mehmon”, with the winners receiving travel vouchers for trips across Uzbekistan. The celebration concluded with a gala concert featuring renowned Uzbek performers.