The “Turkmentravel – 2026” International Tourism Exhibition and Conference opened today in the Turkmen capital. The forum aims to broadly introduce Turkmenistan’s tourism potential, build mutually beneficial cooperation with international companies, and explore best practices in this field.

The extensive work currently underway to develop the domestic tourism industry is clear evidence of the triumph of the principles of friendship, brotherhood, humanism, and goodwill to which Turkmenistan has long been committed. The expansion of tourism destinations and the creation of modern hotels and leisure complexes in the country are giving new impetus to the competitiveness of the national tourism industry and its integration into the global system.

The international exhibition and conference brought together leading representatives of the tourism industry from Turkmenistan and abroad – tour operators, airline and hotel chain employees, and specialists in cultural heritage and ecotourism. The forum is designed to become an effective platform for introducing new tourism destinations and services offered, discussing prospects for mutually beneficial international cooperation, and presenting the latest achievements in the industry.

…The exhibition opening ceremony was attended by the Chairwoman of the Mejlis, Deputy Chairmen of the Cabinet of Ministers, heads and representatives of ministries and industry agencies, public organizations, media outlets, government agencies, and foreign tourism companies, diplomatic missions, and international organizations accredited in Turkmenistan.

Performances by creative groups took place on the festively decorated platform in front of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

During the ceremony, it was read President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s welcoming address to the participants of the “Turkmentravel – 2026” International Tourism Exhibition and Conference.

As noted in the address, in the era of the Revival of the new era of the powerful state, activities in the country’s tourism industry are increasingly expanding. Permanently Neutral Turkmenistan attaches great importance to expanding international cooperation in this area. Collaboration with the UN World Tourism Organization, the Economic Cooperation Organization, the World Tourism Cities Federation, and travel companies worldwide opens up new opportunities for the industry’s development. The tourism exhibition and conference are clear evidence of strengthening international cooperation in this area.

…Then, the forum participants toured the exhibition. Around 70 companies operating in the tourism sector in our country and abroad presented their stands. Videos highlighting Turkmenistan’s tourism potential were shown on a large monitor.

Today, the development of the tourism industry is receiving considerable attention worldwide. Our country’s natural, historical, and cultural potential, the distinctive national traditions of our people, and the unique architectural beauty of our cities are of great interest to international travelers. All this promotes enhancing the international appeal of our country’s tourism sector and strengthening its position in the global tourism market. It’s no coincidence that the Ministry of Culture pavilion harmoniously reflects our people’s glorious past and current development, comparable to the swiftness of a steed.

Turkmenistan is a country renowned for its political and economic stability, ecologically pristine nature, and ancient history. These characteristics enhance our country’s potential for international tourism.

Turkmenistan, located at the heart of the Great Silk Road, is one of the ancient cradles of world civilization. Currently, the country boasts hundreds of historical and cultural sites listed on the state register, many of which are archaeological sites. For example, Gonurdepe, Garadepe, Namazga-Depe, Altyn-Depe, Jeitun and Anau, Old Nisa, Ancient Merv, Kunyaurgench, Ancient Dehistan, Ancient Sarakhs, Abiverd, and the Geoktepe Fortress are outstanding architectural structures of bygone eras and constitute magnificent open-air museums. All of them have been declared state historical and cultural reserves. The unique monuments of Ancient Merv, Kunyaurgench, and Nisa, considered sites of universal significance, have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Private domestic tourism companies, organizing excursions to historical sites, strive to make every moment of travelers’ stay in Turkmenistan unforgettable.

Along with historical and cultural reserves, intangible cultural heritage – national traditions, crafts, and the arts of each nation – are of great interest to tourists. In this regard, it should be noted that the international exhibition is a unique platform not only for developing business relations but also for learning about the rich cultural heritage of the Turkmen people. Special attention is given to the works of decorative and applied arts masters, jewelers, painters, sculptors, and ceramicists. Songs and musical compositions performed by bakhshi musicians added a unique flavor to the festive atmosphere.

As is well known, Turkmenistan places great importance on promoting its national heritage, handicraft traditions, and decorative and applied arts, as well as developing various forms of art. Thanks to the state policy initiated by the National Leader of the Turkmen People, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and successfully implemented under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, extensive work is being carried out to enhance the spiritual and intellectual potential of Turkmen society, improve culture, and protect and carefully preserve historical, cultural, and natural monuments.

Memories of visiting a particular country remain forever etched in a person’s memory in the form of souvenirs. In this regard, it is worth noting that products from our country’s textile and carpet industries are in great demand among foreign tourists. A specialized pavilion presented at the international exhibition offers a wide range of products. Carpets and embroidery samples, skillfully created by our artisans and distinguished by their unique elegance and beauty, have earned a worthy place among the treasury of global cultural treasures.

Our country is also rich in unique natural monuments. The picturesque corners of the Kopetdag Mountains, the flora and fauna of the Karakum Desert, the Amudarya River, Koytendag, the subtropical regions of southwestern Turkmenistan, and the Turkmen coast of the Caspian Sea are highly attractive for ecotourism.

As a result of the successful continuation of the urban development policy initiated by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Arkadagly Hero Serdar, the cities of the Motherland are rapidly developing, becoming major tourist centers, and the white-marble capital of Turkmenistan is considered the pearl of Asia. Various buildings, harmoniously combining the best traditions of national architecture with advanced construction practices, while providing comfortable living conditions, are shaping the new image of Ashgabat. Many of these buildings have been included in the Guinness Book of Records as masterpieces of world architecture.

Most foreign guests coming to our country visit Arkadag city, which has become a symbol of the creative power of the modern era. The first “smart” city, unparalleled in the region, impresses with its architectural beauty. The new city has been recognized by international organizations and numerous reputable foreign companies as an outstanding achievement of world architecture.

Along with tourist routes to historical sites and modern architectural landmarks, our country has enormous potential for seaside recreation. The Avaza National Tourist Zone, created on the ecologically clean Turkmen coast of the Caspian Sea, has become a unique destination that has won universal acclaim. In a short period of time, numerous comfortable hotels, sanatoriums, and cottage complexes have been built here.

Currently, our compatriots are offered ample opportunities for business, educational, medical, and other trips to any corner of the world. Domestic and international travel agencies offer a variety of services. Insurance companies provide information on the insurance measures taken to ensure travel safety.

Airlines from Turkiye, the United Arab Emirates, and Russia offer a wide range of comfortable flights for travel around the world. Representatives from Uzbekistan, Belarus, Thailand, Pakistan, and Uganda introduce visitors to the exhibition to the distinctive features of their countries. A pavilion highlighting educational opportunities in Malaysia proved particularly attractive to young people.

Overall, holding this international forum in the year “Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – Homeland of Purposeful Winged Steeds” is crucial for developing mutually beneficial cooperation and exchanging experiences in tourism. It should be noted that the development of modern market relations, the active implementation of effective organizational methods and digital systems, and the attraction of investment for the further development of the tourism industry create favorable conditions for expanding long-term cooperation in this economic sector, which has enormous potential.

The exhibition also provides an opportunity to explore the unique tourist attractions of Turkmenistan and its regions, gain new information on the development of the tourism and hotel sectors, the organization of various types of recreation, and advertising and local history work. Foreign guests were greatly impressed by the presentation of Turkmen cuisine. The stands presenting Turkmenistan’s economic, industrial, and innovative potential were also well-attended.

In the afternoon, the “Turkmentravel – 2026” International Conference was held, attended by leaders and representatives of public and private institutions in our country, foreign countries, and international organizations. During the event, participants were introduced to the development strategy for the domestic tourism industry and the extensive work being carried out in this area.

The steady increase in the number of tourists arriving in our country and the desire of large specialized companies to strengthen cooperation attest to the increased interest in Turkmenistan worldwide.

As is well known, the types and directions of cultural and ecological tourism are constantly expanding. This is largely facilitated by the presence of unique national cultural values, distinctive traditions and customs, ethnographic features, architectural sites, and historical monuments. As emphasized, in this context, it is important to coordinate efforts to ensure the preservation of historical, cultural, and natural sites, including their proper maintenance and restoration.

To ensure their successful implementation, Turkmenistan has adopted a number of regulatory documents concerning the scientific study of the ancient cultural heritage, national values, and history of the Turkmen people, the preservation of these values for future generations, and their widespread international dissemination. These include the Laws of Turkmenistan “On the Protection of National Historical and Cultural Heritage Sites”, “On Museums and Museum Affairs”, “On the Protection, Export, and Import of Movable Property of the National Historical and Cultural Heritage”, and others.

It was noted that in many economically developed countries, the well-being of the population is improving due to high incomes from tourism. According to international experts, tourism in this regard surpasses even leading export operations carried out through various sectors of the economy and the trade system. Currently, there are approximately 300 tourism companies operating in the country, and the government is creating all necessary support conditions for them.

The key focus of the large-scale work being carried out in this area is the continued development of the domestic tourism sector in both domestic and international markets by expanding routes and types of tourist destinations, improving the industry’s infrastructure, enhancing the quality of services offered, training highly qualified specialists, and intensifying information and advertising activities.

As noted at the conference, in 2020, Ashgabat was accepted as a member of the World Tourism Cities Federation. Today, the hospitable Turkmen capital is open to receiving international guests, providing them with modern hotel and tourism services that meet the highest standards. At present, it is planned to carry out the corresponding work to include Kunyaurgench, Mary, Turkmenabat, as well as the Avaza National Tourist Zone in the membership of the World Federation of Tourist Cities, which will increase the international prestige of the tourism industry of Turkmenistan.

Representatives of international organizations such as the UN World Tourism Organization, the Economic Cooperation Organization, and TURKSOY, in their speeches noted the important role of tourism in the successful implementation of cultural and humanitarian diplomacy. There was a general consensus that travel and cultural diversity facilitate strengthening trusting relationships and mutual understanding. In this regard, emphasis was placed on the priority tasks facing the tourism sector in developing international cooperation in various areas.

Representatives of neighboring and other countries shared their experiences in developing the tourism industry and exchanged views on the possibilities of expanding mutually beneficial international partnerships. The guests acknowledged that Turkmenistan’s unique natural landscapes and architectural features left a profound impression on them. Particular attention was paid to the joint efforts of regional states to include cross-border historical and natural monuments on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Furthermore, a mutual willingness to promote joint tourism initiatives and routes between tourist cities in the region was expressed.

The “Turkmentravel – 2026” International Tourism Exhibition and Conference are scheduled to feature working roundtable meetings, as well as the signing of cooperation agreements between tourism companies.

A tourism management seminar, organized by the UN World Tourism Organization, will serve to enrich the experience of tourism professionals.

On the final day of the forum, April 16, “Tourism – a Bridge of Cultures: Sustainable Development and International Cooperation in Tourism” Scientific and Practical Conference is planned. As part of the cultural program, guests will visit the sights of our capital.

Overall, the international forum held in Ashgabat, with its numerous accompanying events, is intended to open a new chapter in the development of international cooperation in tourism.