OREANDA-NEWS. April 28, 2008. The International Tourist Fair took place in the Turkish city of Cappadocia. Almost 100 tourist companies from about 20 countries around the world, including Uzbekistan, participated at the Fair, the reports by national newspapers have said.

On April 18 the Information Agency “Jahon” also reported on the participation of Uzbek tourist companies in the said event by referring to the Uzbekistan National News Agency Russian-language website.

The considerable work has been accomplished in Uzbekistan for over the years of sovereignty to revive the rich heritage of ancestors. The ancient architectural monuments, pearls of the Uzbek culture, as well as an incomparable nature of the native land draw tourists from around the globe, the papers write.

The sphere of tourism sees its gradual development in Uzbekistan. The new destinations are being unveiled. The modern hotels are being established. The sector’s infrastructure is being expanded. Also, the numbers of those engaged in tourism-related operations as well as the leisure zones are on the rise.

Now the share of private sector in the total volume of tourist services accounts for 90 percent in the country. According to the experts, by 2010 the flow of tourists to Uzbekistan will increase 3.5-fold. The conditions and tax preferences for foreign investors established in the country serve as an important factor, according to the newspapers.

Going back to the International Tourist Fair in Turkey the newspapers suggest that it has manifested Uzbekistan’s potential in the sphere of tourism. The event has also allowed for its delegates to learn about the opportunities now available to Uzbek tourist industry. Adding to that, the Fair promoted further ties with foreign tourist companies.

 “Indeed, we are keenly interested in consolidating ties with the Uzbek tourist companies,” – Ibragim Yazar of the Turkish Ministry of culture and tourism has been quoted as to have said.