Welcome to the UNWTO Silk Road Programme website

The UNWTO Silk Road Programme is a collaborative initiative designed to enhance sustainable tourism development along the historic Silk Road route. It aims to maximize the benefits of tourism development for local Silk Road communities, while stimulating investment and promoting the conservation of the route's natural and cultural heritage. Additionally, it is working to foster greater co- operation between Silk Road countries and regions, with the established aim of creating a seamless and memorable Silk Road travel experience.

On this website you will find information on the objectives and key areas of activity of our programme, information on our participating Member States and other relevant stakeholders, as well information concerning key Silk Road events and conferences

Latest news
04 Mar 15
Press Release 		UNWTO strongly condemns the destruction of cultural heritage
“As stated by UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova, the recent systematic destruction of Iraq’s unique cultural heritage is intolerable and must come to an end immediately”, said UNWTO Secretary-...
25 Feb 15
Press Release 		UNWTO activities at ITB 2015
ITB Berlin Opening Ceremony (3 March, 18.00 – 20.00, CityCube Berlin Hall B)UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai, will deliver the opening speech at the ITB opening ceremony. 5th Silk Road...
06 Feb 15
Press Release 		UNWTO/UNESCO World Conference on Tourism and Culture gathers Ministers of Tourism and Culture for the first time
Tourism, moving more than one billion people across international borders each year, offers immense possibilities for socio-economic development in destinations around the world. Cultural tourism has...
27 Jan 15
Press Release 		Over 1.1 billion tourists travelled abroad in 2014
The number of international tourists (overnight visitors) reached 1,138 million in 2014, 51 million more than in 2013. With an increase of 4.7%, this is the fifth consecutive year of above average...
21 Jan 15
Press Release 		UNWTO Awards to recognize innovation and excellence in tourism
Since 2003, the UNWTO Awards for Excellence and Innovation in Tourism have honored tourism initiatives and individuals for their contribution to tourism through knowledge and innovation, in line with...