Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, Nov. 12 / Trend H.Hasanov /
Turkish President Abdullah Gul, who arrived in Turkmenbashi on Nov. 11, lauded the concept behind the development of the Avaza resort on the picturesque Caspian coast, the Altin Asir national television channel reported today.
During the concept's presentation, Gul studied the system of tax benefits provided at the resort for foreign investors.
"The presentation was of great interest to the Turkish leader, who appreciated the on-going large-scale project, stressing its undoubted success and exceptional promise," the source reported.
Gul was presented with a draft of the next stage of the Avaza resort's construction, including a palace of congresses, luxury hotels, a trade fair, and cultural and entertainment centers.
Turkmen President Gurbangulu Berdimuhammedov personally familiarized his Turkish counterpart with a number of attractions at the resort, including a new park ensemble consisting of a seawater fountain, a coastal complex of fountains and an amphitheater.
Tourism holds special place in Turkmenistan's strategic plans. Presently, the total cost of its facilities constructed on the Caspian coast have reached over $1.5 billion.
Today a new airport, highways, gas turbine electric power station, water desalinating and water treatment facilities are all being constructed. Several sanatorium-resort facilities will be put into operation in October. Aqua parks, yacht clubs, an artificial navigable river and other facilities will be constructed within the second part of the resort's construction. Other projects include the construction of an oceanarium, a sheltered skiing resort, a cycle track and a casino city.
The Great Silk Road passed via Turkmenistan, which is rich in folk culture, various natural landscapes, and unique archaeological sites, including areas on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List such as Ancient Nisa, Merv, and Kunyaurgench.
The Turkmen coast and the southern limits of Kopetdag is a land of healing, natural health clinics. Archman, Bayramali Mollakara, Yilisuv and other natural sources are known for their healing properties and are comparable with the best resorts in the world, the Turkmen government reported. Additionally, the Kopetdag Mountains, the Karakum Desert, and the coast of Amu Darya are a perfect fit for ecological tourism lovers.