The event was attended by representatives of leading global and French media outlets, including Le Figaro, Le Figaro Voyage, and Elle Decoration, as well as international tourism and transport companies such as Air France and IHG Hotels & Resorts, members of the leadership of the Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and official representatives of IFTM and the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in France.
As part of the press conference, Uzbekistan’s tourism potential was presented as one of the most dynamically developing destinations in Central Asia.
“France remains one of our key partners in Europe. In 2025, nearly 29.6 thousand French tourists visited our country, and according to the results of the first five months of 2026, the tourist flow from France increased 1.3 times, reaching almost 15 thousand visitors. This interest is based not only on tourism potential, but also on strong cultural ties between our countries,” said S. Bobokalonov, Deputy Chairman of the Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
According to him, participation in IFTM 2026 will make it possible to present not only the world-famous Silk Road cities, but also modern Uzbekistan, which is actively developing new tourism products, infrastructure, and international projects.
During the event, key aspects of the official IFTM Top Resa 2026 programme were presented, addressing economic and territorial value, human capital, as well as sustainable and collective development. This year, the exhibition is expected to see a 10–15% increase in attendance, supported by early engagement of exhibitors and visitors, the active development of the “Destination France” initiative, and record participation dynamics in the Business Club.
Following the conference, an official reception was hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the French Republic, where guests were able to experience Uzbekistan’s rich culture and traditions, sample a variety of national dishes, and immerse themselves in the atmosphere of Uzbek hospitality and cultural heritage.
For reference: IFTM Top Resa is a multi-purpose trade fair dedicated to tourism and travel, covering all sectors of travel: business, leisure, group travel, and MICE. The event promotes travel destinations in France and around the world, showcases new technological advancements, and rewards innovation and achievements in the sector. Uzbekistan has been participating in IFTM Top Resa since 2012.
