Speech of Charlotte Adriaen EU Ambassador to Uzbekistan, at the International Conference “Development of a sustainable tourism model - a way to increase tourism potential”

Assalomu Alaykum,

Dear Minister Abdukhakimov, dear ladies and gentlemen,

It is a great honour for me to welcome you today to the opening of this International Conference on the development of a sustainable tourism model – a way to increase tourism potential. It is timely!

There are several reasons for this:

•  Since COVID – we are all interested in building back better. The EU’s tourism industry in the strict sense of the term (traditional providers of holidays and tourism services) is made up of 2.3 million businesses, primarily small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), employing an estimated 12.3 million people. In 2018, the ‘travel and tourism’ sector directly contributed 3.9% to EU GDP and accounted for 5.1% of the total labour force (which equates to some 11.9 million jobs). When its close links with other economic sectors are taken into account, the tourism sector’s figures increase significantly (10.3% of GDP and 11.7% of total employment, which equates to 27.3 million workers). Tourism policy is a means by which the EU can pursue broader employment and growth objectives. We know these objectives are important for Central Asia and Uzbekistan in particular. With a growing population you need growth and jobs. Uzbekistan and Central Asia has an enormous Tourism potential, it has the nature and culture makes it a wonderful destination.
• However, my second point is that more than building back better, we want to build back right. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) member countries met in plenary session Interlaken, Switzerland between 13th and 19th of March 2023 to adopt the Synthesis Report of the Sixth Assessment Cycle. This cycle was 8 years long.
• The report once again confirms that the world is warming rapidly due to human influence, and this is already causing widespread adverse impacts to people and nature, putting lives and livelihoods at risk. With every bit of additional warming, the risks will further intensify.
• Sustainability today is no longer simply about increasing efficiencies or complying with regulations. It is about making fundamental changes in the way business is done and the way the world consumes. Results can only be achieved rethinking our business models and supply chains and designing new consumption patterns.
• So , Can the tourism be sustainable?
• Yes, tourism can be sustainable. Sustainable tourism is a type of tourism that aims to protect the environment, support local economies, and benefit the community without compromising the future for future generations. Sustainable tourism practices focus on minimizing the negative impacts of tourism while enhancing the positive effects. This can include using eco-friendly accommodations, supporting local businesses, promoting cultural heritage, conserving natural resources, and educating tourists about sustainable tourism practices. When carried out effectively, sustainable tourism can benefit both visitors and host communities.
• This is why I am proud to stand before you with this SWITCH programme supporting tourism companies in Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan to adopt sustainable consumption and production practices by providing appropriate knowledge; Raising awareness regarding sustainable tourism and consumer awareness about sustainable consumption.
• Those, who will be able to manage climate transitions well, will be the winners and will become more competitive and sustainable in their economic and trade activities.
• This is why the EU welcomes adoption of Uzbekistan’s national program on green economy and green growth until 2030. Also the Eco-tourism strategy is key. The far-reaching document aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, scale up renewable energy and improve resource efficiency. To reach successfully these objectives, the EU encourages the Government to enhance the green alliances with its international partners, civil society and the private sector. A transformative green recovery can only take place through inclusive and cross-sectoral partnerships.
• Finally, I am also proud that our EU cooperation in CA and Uzbekistan is based on support to the “Green transition” is at the core of our cooperation in Uzbekistan. In fact, two out of three priority areas of our Multi Annual Indicative Programme for 2021-2027 is about Inclusive green growth and smart eco-friendly agri-food sector.  EU is ready, we are committed to support the green transition,

Let me end here by thank the organisers of the conference, and wish you all a very fruitful day of discussions and exchanges, for the development of a sustainable and green tourism in Central Asia.