In order to further promote the Central Asian region, and to encourage local commitment to sustainable tourism development, the Silk Road Initiative (SRI) and the UN World Tourism Organisation (UN WTO) are working together to establish a 'UN Silk Road City Award'.
The prize will be awarded to 8-10 cities that show commitment and long-term planning to the protection of cultural and environmental assets, attention to the service industry, private sector participation and socio-economic development.
The selection criteria and requirements for the Silk Road City Award will be decided upon by an Eminent Persons' Panel which is currently being assembled. The Panel, incorporating a wide range of relevant professionals, will meet 22-23 March 2006 to finalise the criteria and select the eligible cities.
