The First Tourism Fair of the CIS countries started in Samarkand, Sputnik Uzbekistan reports.

Participants of the event were greeted by the regional khokim Erkinjon Turdimov. He noted that relations between Uzbekistan and other CIS countries are developing dynamically, and the fair will help them to launch even more joint projects.

Acting chairman of the State Committee for Tourism Development Abdulaziz Akkulov said that many international rating agencies recognize Uzbekistan as one of the most dynamically developing countries in attracting visitors from abroad.

Uzbekistan has established a visa-free regime with 65 countries of the world, introducing new categories of visas for certain groups of foreigners. According to Akkulov, guests from other countries began to spend more time in the country (from 2.3 days in 2017 to three days in 2019).

In his speech, the acting chairman paid special attention to Samarkand. He noted that 70% of tourists from the CIS countries prefer to be in this ancient city with a rich history from two to four days, many come with their whole families or with groups.

“We expect that following the results of the events, valuable recommendations and proposals for further improvement of the system and the tourism industry will be prepared, which will ensure a comfortable stay of tourists,” Abdulaziz Akkulov said.