Newsroom
OSCE Centre supports conference on tourism in Turkmenistan
ASHGABAD 3 May 2006
ASHGABAD, 3 May 2006 - Current and future challenges facing the tourism industry in Turkmenistan are the focus of a two-day conference that began today in Ashgabad.
The event, organized by the OSCE Centre in Ashgabad, the State Committee on Tourism and Sport, and the Foreign Ministry of Turkmenistan, brought together over 50 representatives of different Ministries, the Chamber of Commerce, as well as specialists from State and private tourism enterprises and students.
"Sustainable tourism development in countries in transition is an important part of the economy which can help generate income, and this opportunity should not be missed in Turkmenistan," said Ambassador Ibrahim Djikic, Head of the OSCE Centre.
Experts from the UK and Lithuania will acquaint their Turkmenistan colleagues with tourism industry development trends in their countries, as well as in the region and worldwide. Participants will also visit the historic cultural site of Nisa.
"Intensive development of private entrepreneurship in tourism and the introduction of new types of tourism, such as agro-tourism and eco-tourism, can take the tourism sector to the next level," said Kestutis Ambrozaitis, Vice-President of the Lithuanian Tourism Association.
Participants at the conference are expected to offer practical recommendations to help improve Turkmenistan's tourist sector, including the development of a tourism portal, the publication of tourism newsletters, training for local tour operators, and other opportunities for private business development in the field.
The event, organized by the OSCE Centre in Ashgabad, the State Committee on Tourism and Sport, and the Foreign Ministry of Turkmenistan, brought together over 50 representatives of different Ministries, the Chamber of Commerce, as well as specialists from State and private tourism enterprises and students.
"Sustainable tourism development in countries in transition is an important part of the economy which can help generate income, and this opportunity should not be missed in Turkmenistan," said Ambassador Ibrahim Djikic, Head of the OSCE Centre.
Experts from the UK and Lithuania will acquaint their Turkmenistan colleagues with tourism industry development trends in their countries, as well as in the region and worldwide. Participants will also visit the historic cultural site of Nisa.
"Intensive development of private entrepreneurship in tourism and the introduction of new types of tourism, such as agro-tourism and eco-tourism, can take the tourism sector to the next level," said Kestutis Ambrozaitis, Vice-President of the Lithuanian Tourism Association.
Participants at the conference are expected to offer practical recommendations to help improve Turkmenistan's tourist sector, including the development of a tourism portal, the publication of tourism newsletters, training for local tour operators, and other opportunities for private business development in the field.