Ceremony of awarding the "Tourism Fidoisi" medal was held in Tashkent
Today, on October 13, the official ceremony of awarding the Fidoisi Tourism badge for the contribution to the development of domestic tourism took place at the Hilton-Tashkent hotel.
The ceremony was opened by the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Chairman of the State Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Tourism Development Aziz Abdukhakimov.
“As you know, in recent years, at the initiative of our President, a number of decrees and resolutions on the accelerated development of tourism have been signed, thanks to which the country's tourism industry has been recognized as one of the strategic sectors of the economy. At the same time, a lot of work has been done to develop tourism in our regions.
The solemn presentation of the "Fidoisi Tourism" medal was a worthy gift for the 29th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan. I hope that this badge will serve as an incentive for the citizens of our republic and our compatriots living abroad to demonstrate to the world the rich history and culture of our Motherland,” said Aziz Abdukhakimov.
On July 10, 2020, the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers on the procedure for awarding representatives of the tourism sector "Fidoisi Tourism" was approved. 
In accordance with this, employees of state bodies, public organizations, business entities, representatives of the social sphere and the media, as well as compatriots abroad who make a worthy contribution to the development and popularization of the tourism sector in the Republic of Uzbekistan, are awarded a medal for merits and active propaganda work.
State bodies, domestic and international public organizations, the media and business entities at the local level, before August 1 of this year, had to make proposals to award their representatives with a medal to the territorial divisions of the state administration for the development of tourism in the Republic.
Also among the laureates were ambassadors of the tourism brand of Uzbekistan, representatives of international organizations, diplomatic missions, people who, by chance or profession, promote the tourism potential of Uzbekistan on the world stage. The list of laureates was published at the end of September this year.
“For over ten years now Uzbekistan has become a part of my life. When I first visited Samarkand in 2010, tourism was at an early stage of development, there were almost no tourists here. For several years, I have witnessed a complete transformation of the tourism sector in Uzbekistan.
My appointment as the tourism ambassador of Uzbekistan last year was a great honor and now I have been awarded the Fidoisi Tourism medal, which is a great achievement. I support not only the government of Uzbekistan, but also all those who work in the field of tourism, are actively involved in the development and promotion of tourism in Uzbekistan, ”said Sophie Ibbotson, the ambassador of the tourism brand of Uzbekistan in the UK.
The laureate of "Tourism Fidoysi", a French entrepreneur, initiator of the restoration of the "Shukhova" tower in Bukhara and the construction of a tourist facility on its basis, Katerina Uitekdik, shared her impressions. She came to Uzbekistan 14 years ago to visit Registan Square in the city of Samarkand. But when I arrived in Bukhara, I felt "at home" and left a piece of my heart here in Uzbekistan.
“Ten years ago, my husband and I founded a travel agency in France dedicated to Uzbekistan. Since Central Asia is too little known to Europeans, we did our best to tell about the beauty of this country and the simplicity of its people, and thanks to our humble work we managed to attract tourists of different nations along the route of the great Amir Temur.
I am very proud, flattered and deeply touched that the government of Uzbekistan has granted me the honor to bear this worthy title of Fidoisi Tourism.
My husband and I, wherever we are, will promote this image, the image of openness and culture of Uzbekistan and do everything possible to further contribute to the development of tourism in Uzbekistan, ”Katerina said.
The “Fidoisi Tourism” medals were awarded handed over to the laureates by the Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the State Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Tourism Development Aziz Abdukhakimov.
Source: uzbekistan.travel