UN Tourism Secretary-General Shaikha Al Nowais visited the city of Samarkand, as part of her official visit to Uzbekistan, where she took part in the opening of the UN Tourism Thematic Office “Tourism on the Silk Road”, according to the Uzbek Tourism Committee.
One of the key highlights of the program was the official inauguration of the UN Tourism Thematic Office “Tourism on the Silk Road”. The new office, located in Samarkand, is intended to serve as an important international platform for promoting sustainable tourism across the Silk Road region, coordinating joint projects, developing cross-border tourism routes, and strengthening regional cooperation.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the UN Tourism Secretary-General emphasized the special symbolism of establishing the office in Samarkand, noting that for centuries the city has been a place where goods, ideas, cultures, and trust have intersected. According to her, Samarkand continues to maintain its unique role as one of the key hubs connecting countries and peoples.
Shaikha Al Nowais also noted that Uzbekistan’s proposal to host the thematic office in Samarkand received strong support from the organization’s member states. She underscored that this achievement became possible thanks to the strategic vision and consistent policies of the country’s leadership aimed at developing tourism, expanding international cooperation, and strengthening Uzbekistan’s role across the Silk Road region.
The UN Tourism Secretary-General also highlighted the special role of Samarkand as one of the great historical centers of knowledge and culture, noting that the spirit of learning, openness, and progress continues to thrive in the city today.
