Today, the opening of the international conference “Main Directions and Potential of Tourism Development in Turkmenistan” took place at the Arçabil Hotel in the capital.

The forum is attended by representatives of international organizations, heads and experts of leading Turkmen and foreign companies specializing in the field, including those from Uzbekistan, China, Croatia, Bulgaria, Iran, Korea, etc.

It should be noted that the reforms implemented in Turkmenistan in this direction, the expansion of the geography of travel, the introduction of such new types of tourism as ecological, recreational, sports and equestrian tourism, the creation of comfortable conditions for recreation, are aimed at increasing the competitiveness of the national tourism industry, its integration into the global system.

An exhibition of arts and crafts and fine arts was launched in the hotel lobby.

The audience enthusiastically listened to the welcoming address of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to the participants of the international conference, which emphasizes that in the era of the Revival of the new era of a powerful state, our country is consistently expanding interaction with members of the world community, guided by the principles of friendship and brotherhood.

“We attach great importance to the development of international tourism partnership in the context of obligations arising from the status of permanent neutrality, as well as to the improvement of domestic tourism in line with world trends, as evidenced by the cooperation of Turkmenistan with the World Tourism Organization, the World Federation of Tourist Cities and foreign tour operators,” - the message of the head of state says.

The main objectives of the forum are to popularize historical, cultural and natural monuments, spiritual and material heritage, traditions and customs of our people, to strengthen existing and form new partnerships with representatives of the global travel industry.

It should be noted that the adoption in Turkmenistan of legal acts regulating issues in the field of tourism, the construction of fashionable hotel complexes in the Avaza National Tourist Zone, the white marble capital and velayats, serves as a powerful factor in strengthening the position of our country in the international tourism market.

The State Program for 2022–2028 for the careful preservation of objects of the National Historical and Cultural Heritage, their protection and study, and attraction of tourists to them is being successfully implemented. Comprehensive work is underway to popularize our rich historical and cultural heritage and reveal the tourism opportunities of the Fatherland.

As noted, this large-scale activity not only gives a powerful impetus to the expansion of national tourism destinations, improving the quality of service, and the socio-economic development of the country's regions, but also provides an opportunity to strengthen Turkmenistan's position in the global tourism industry.

In order to popularize the tourism potential of our country and attract foreign tourists, Turkmenistan took part in the international exhibition in the city of Tokyo (Japan), the ITB (Internationale Tourismus-Börse) tourism fair in Berlin (Germany), the Ferien-Messe Wien international tourism exhibition in Vienna (Austria).

At present, proposals have been presented to foreign businessmen on the creation of a high-level tourism cluster in the Caspian region on mutually beneficial terms. Together with neighboring countries, options are being developed for establishing cruise trips in the Caspian Sea.

Turkmenistan is actively building up a constructive dialogue with interested states and major international organizations, as well as with UN specialized agencies.

Over the years of cooperation with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, a number of unique monuments located in Turkmenistan have been included in the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List. Among them are Ancient Merv, Kunyaurgench, Parthian fortresses of Nisa.

During the forum, it was emphasized that Turkmenistan provides ample opportunities in the field of health tourism. Here it is appropriate to cite as an example the Bayramali sanatorium, which specializes in the treatment of kidney diseases, which is the only one in its profile in Central Asia and Europe.

As it was emphasized, the demand for historical tours to our country to exotic places with a contrast of antiquity and modernity is growing all over the world. Among the most popular is the route of the Great Silk Road.

With the completion of the construction of the railway connecting Turkmenistan with Kazakhstan and the Islamic Republic of Iran, it became possible to travel by this mode of transport. At the same time, issues of organizing trips to the countries of Europe, South Asia and the Middle East by rail along the route of the Great Silk Road are being discussed. This tourist destination is planned to launch in the near future.

Foreign colleagues, in turn, noted that Turkmenistan, having such unique medical sanatoriums, sports facilities, historical, cultural and natural monuments, can already compete with major European resorts.

Focusing on the broad prospects for long-term cooperation in this segment, the speakers emphasized that at present, taking into account all the conditions created for the development of this sphere, it is necessary to promote the tourism opportunities of our state abroad.

Particular attention was paid to the amazing places of Turkmenistan - the caves of Koytendag, the traces of dinosaurs with a history of several million years, which are still being studied by scientists and archaeologists, attracting tourists from all over the world.

The forum participants noted that the development and provision of tourist packages “One trip - one region” in the future will create opportunities for travel, including visits to monuments located along the route of the Great Silk Road.

The key point for all tourists arriving in Turkmenistan is its white marble capital, which year by year becomes more beautiful, expanding its territorial boundaries. Our guests can get acquainted with its architectural sights, some of which are included in the Guinness Book of Records.

Speaking of the Avaza National Tourist Zone, it should be noted that it is included in all tourist guides and is represented in the glossy booklets of the world's travel agencies by luxurious hotels, autobahns, parks, amphitheaters and fountains. The most comfortable conditions for vacationers are created here, as well as international festivals, conferences, seminars, business meetings and cultural events.

The infrastructure of Avaza is growing and improving right before our eyes. This is a free economic zone focused on the development of the tourism industry.

Thus, the current international conference “The main directions and potential of tourism development in Turkmenistan” is designed to present the achievements of our state in the tourism sector, various approaches to its development, modern developments of leading specialized companies, examples of our country's partnership with foreign colleagues in this direction.

On the sidelines of the forum, bilateral meetings were held between specialists from ministries and private companies in the tourism sector of Turkmenistan with representatives of international organizations and the foreign tourism industry. Relevant documents were also signed, new contacts were established, and prospects for cooperation were discussed.

As part of a rich cultural program, the participants of the international conference will visit museums, historical and natural monuments of our country.

Tomorrow the forum will continue its work.