UNWTO Secretary-General visits Gorno Badakhshan

DUSHANBE, May 5, 2010, Asia-Plus  -- The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Secretary-General, Dr. Taleb Rifai, who is currently in Tajikistan on a four-day visit, is visiting Gorno Badakhshan today, according to the Committee for Youth, Sports and Tourism Affairs under the Government of Tajikistan.

Chairman of the Committee for Youth, Sports and Tourism Affairs, Maliksho Nematov, is accompanying him on this trip.

During his stay in Gorno Badakhshan, the UNWTO Secretary-General will get acquainted with tourism resources of this region, the source said.   

According to UNWTO website, during his meeting with President Rahmon on May 3, Dr. Taleb Rifai, underlined the importance of regional cooperation in the growth and development of national economies.   Referring to the UNWTO Silk Road Project, a long-term initiative to harness the tourism potential of the ancient Silk Road, Mr. Rifai called for the continued collaboration of all participating countries.

“Regional cooperation is key to harnessing the tourism potential of Central Asia. The Silk Road is a concept that requires cooperation beyond individual borders and is an excellent example of such cooperation”, said the UNWTO Secretary-General. “Tajikistan is an important stop along the Silk Road and is working with other countries to convert this resource into an integrated tourism product.”

The official visit also focuses on providing assistance to Tajikistan in the creation of a tourism development plan that would draw attention to and develop Tajikistan’s unique mountain nature and cultural assets.  Mr. Rifai yesterday met with Foreign Minister Hamrokhon Zarifi and Finance Minister of Safarali Najmiddinov to direct efforts towards developing a modern and competitive tourism sector in Tajikistan.