UZBEKISTAN, Khiva - The historical city of Khiva welcomed delegates from across the Islamic world for the 12th Islamic Conference of Tourism Ministers (ICTM) from May 31 to June 2. Organized in close collaboration with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the conference focused on the theme "Development of the Tourism Industry in a Sustainable and Resilient Way."

The gathering highlighted the transformative potential of tourism among the ​OIC member states. Representatives engaged in various sessions to discuss the development of sustainable practices, digital transformation, and community-based tourism. These strategies are seen as crucial drivers for economic growth and poverty alleviation within the member states.

Chosen as the OIC City of Tourism for 2024, Khiva, which is known for its rich Islamic cultural heritage, served as an ideal backdrop for the conference. A number of locals told the Tehran Times that the city’s selection helps promote Khiva's attractions, yet it highlights the OIC's commitment to preserving and promoting the unique historical and cultural assets of its member states.

Opening address: a vision for inclusive growth

The conference was inaugurated by Aziz Abdukhakimov, the Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change of Uzbekistan. In his opening remarks, the minister asked the attendees to observe a minute of silence in honor of the late Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi who was martyred in a helicopter crash last month.

Abdukhakimov then emphasized Uzbekistan's desire to enhance cooperation among OIC member states, especially in the post-COVID-19 recovery phase. 

OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha, also addressed the gathering, highlighting tourism's role as a catalyst for economic growth. He noted that tourism, particularly through micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), could generate employment, spur innovation, and drive inclusive growth.

Taha pointed out that MSMEs constitute about 80% of tourism businesses, according to UN Tourism, and women made up 54% of the tourism workforce before the pandemic. He emphasized that tourism has the transformative ability to alleviate poverty by creating income-generating opportunities, particularly in rural and marginalized areas. 

Moreover, the OIC chief stressed the importance of community-based tourism initiatives and empowering local stakeholders to ensure that the benefits of tourism reach those who need it most.

A call to action

The 12th ICTM also renewed a call to action for member states to actively engage in upcoming sessions and initiatives aimed at fostering tourism within the OIC framework. In particular, it highlighted the importance of collaboration, innovation, and sustainable practices in developing the tourism sector. 

"By implementing the Strategic Roadmap for the Development of Islamic Tourism and investing in digitalization, OIC member states can take a large step to unlock the full potential of their tourism industries, contributing to economic growth, cultural preservation, and poverty alleviation," one of the key speakers said. 

Strategic roadmap for the development of Islamic tourism

According to organizers, one of the key outcomes of the three-day event was the call for OIC member states and relevant institutions to implement the Strategic Roadmap for the Development of Islamic Tourism. The roadmap includes organizing annual events to promote intra-OIC tourist flows through visa facilitation, investment promotion, branding and standardization, and capacity building. 

Moreover, the outline is intended to create a more integrated and cohesive tourism sector within the OIC, fostering collaboration and mutual support among member states.

A view of the UNESCO-registered Itchan Kala, the inner fortress of Khiva, is located to the South of the Amu Darya River, Uzbekistan.

Sustainable cultural tourism and digital transformation

The conference also invited the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) to collaborate with the OIC and international organizations such as UN Tourism on a revised strategy for the development of sustainable cultural tourism in the Islamic world. This initiative was announced to seek to enhance the sustainability of cultural tourism, ensuring that it contributes to the preservation of cultural heritage while promoting economic development.

In his opening remarks, the Uzbek minister asked the attendees to observe a minute of silence in honor of the late Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi who was martyred in a helicopter crash last month.In addition, the ICTM called upon OIC member states to invest in digitalization to promote and market their destinations. 

"By embracing digital technologies, member states can enhance their marketing strategies, streamline operations, and provide more personalized and efficient services to tourists," one of the OIC members said.

Recognitions and future sessions

The conference announced Qatar had been selected to host the 13th Session of ICTM in 2026. The conference also endorsed the selection of Dakar, Senegal, as the OIC City of Tourism for 2025, Cairo, Egypt, for 2026, and Lahore, Pakistan, for 2027. These cities will be in the spotlight in the coming years, showcasing their cultural and historical significance and promoting tourism within the OIC framework.

Post-pandemic recovery and growth in OIC tourism

The Assistant Secretary-General for Economic Affairs of the OIC, Ahmad Kawesa Sengendo, highlighted member states' "resilience and growth" in the post-pandemic era. 

He noted a significant increase being achieved in international tourist arrivals to OIC countries. "This recovery is not only a testament to the sector's resilience but also indicative of the effective measures taken by member states to rejuvenate tourism."

Based on available data, in 2020, OIC countries faced a dramatic decline in international tourist arrivals due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with numbers dropping to 75 million. However, a gradual recovery began in 2021, with arrivals increasing to 96 million. This upward trend continued into 2022, when the number of international tourist arrivals to OIC countries soared to 224 million. This recovery outpaced the global average, leading to an increase in the share of OIC countries in global tourist arrivals from 12.8% in 2019 to 14.8% in 2022.

Cultural heritage and artistic expression

In conjunction with the 12th ICTM, Khiva hosted an exhibition of paintings by artists from the member countries. The exhibition, themed "Cultural Attractions of the Islamic World," showcased the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of various Islamic countries through the medium of art. The event was attended by notable figures, including the Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of Uzbekistan, Aziz Abdukhakimov, OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha, ECO Secretary General Khusrav Noziri, and ICESCO Director General Salim AlMalik.

It featured 60 paintings depicting sacred places and significant cultural landmarks from OIC member countries. These artworks provide a visual journey through the Islamic world's diverse and rich heritage, offering visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in the religious traditions and history of various Islamic nations.

The paintings were created by artists from across the OIC, each capturing the essence and significance of their respective countries' cultural heritage. 

According to organizers, the artworks not only highlighted the beauty and uniqueness of Islamic architecture and sacred sites but also conveyed the deep spiritual and historical connections that bind the Islamic world.

Uzbekistan's role and achievements

During the event, various participants of the conference expressed their gratitude to Uzbekistan for hosting the event in Khiva. They also congratulated Uzbekistan for Samarkand being selected as the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World for 2025. 

Several attendees told the Tehran Times that such recognitions help spotlight Uzbekistan's commitment to safeguard ​its cultural heritage and developing its tourism industry.

AFM