As part of the international forum “Turkmentravel 2026,” which kicked off in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan’s Minister of Culture, Atageldi Shamyradov, presented the country’s tourism development strategy.The minister’s speech focused both on preserving unique heritage and on creating new popular travel routes.
A.Shamyradov noted that Turkmenistan is home to UNESCO World Heritage sites.Ancient Merv and Old Nisa, included on the UNESCO list, serve as key centers of historical tourism.
Alongside them, natural destinations are being actively developed, including the caves of Koytendag and the Dinosaur Plateau.These locations are currently being studied by scientists and archaeologists, which will make them more accessible and informative for ecotourism enthusiasts.
Special emphasis in the report was placed on the development of international partnerships.Active work is underway with Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Iran to launch cruise routes, which are expected to become a powerful new direction for the region.
Together with Central Asian countries, the concept of “One Tour the Entire Region” is being implemented.This will allow tourists to visit key monuments of the Great Silk Road within a single journey.
Continuing the theme of international integration, A.Shamyradov emphasized that Turkmenistan is systematically expanding ties with major global organizations. “Currently, Turkmenistan is actively working to expand international cooperation with tourism institutions from many countries around the world.
Among them are the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, the Tourism Department of the Economic Cooperation Organization, representatives of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Program of the Asian Development Bank, and a number of other organizations,” said A.
Shamyradov.This strategy is aimed at creating an open and innovative environment that will make Turkmenistan one of the most attractive countries on the global tourism map, the head of the relevant ministry concluded.