UN adopts Resolution on Sustainable Tourism in Central Asia
On December 19, the UN General Assembly at the plenary session adopted a special Resolution “Sustainable Tourism and Sustainable Development in Central Asia”. The draft document, developed by Uzbekistan and submitted on behalf of all five Central Asian countries was unanimously supported by all UN member states.
More than 50 countries of North and Latin America, Asia, Africa and other continents are co-authors of the document.
The resolution emphasizes the importance of the Central Asian countries’ efforts to implement the 2030 agenda for sustainable development, international events for the further development of tourism in the region, measures to attract international finance and investment to the tourism sector of Central Asia.
According to the document, the Silk Route, which crossed Central Asia in ancient times, and the current efforts on promotion of tourism in world markets foster the growth of foreign tourists’ interest to the region.
Moreover, in the resolution, the UN member states welcome the significant practical contribution of the Central Asian countries to strengthening regional stability and sustainable development, as well as declare their full support for the efforts and initiatives, aimed at strengthening economic cooperation in the region.
According to UNWTO, the tourism sector accounts for 7% of world exports, one of eleven workplaces and 10 % of world GDP. Tourism is integrated into 400 industries, generates more than $ 1.5 trillion annually, and in fact is the only industry in the world to show steady growth in recent years.
