Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, Aug.17 /Trend H.Hasanov/
Palvan Taganov, who led the country's Chamber of Commerce, has been appointed Chairman of State the Committee of Turkmenistan for Tourism, the Turkmen government said. The corresponding decree was signed by President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov.
The president stressed the need to develop international tourism as being the most profitable direction of that industry, the government report said.
Berdymuhamedov added that new tourist routes should be opened as well as measures to improve the quality of services should be taken in order to increase the number of foreign tourists.
In this context he pointed to the importance of training qualified specialists for the industry and improving related work, as well as the establishment of effective advertising.
In addition the President said all available opportunities for tourism development in the country should be explored. Particular attention should be paid to training of personnel for the effective management of a hotel complex in the national tourist zone Avaz and in general carry out the necessary work in order to manage hotels under construction in Turkmenistan, according to international standards.
As the President of Turkmenistan noted further, it is necessary to take appropriate steps to include the unique parts of Koytendag nature areas in the Lebap region and other natural monuments of the reserve in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Berdymuhamedov stressed the need to conduct a special tender for the improvement of beautiful natural places such as Koytendag, and in order to create favourable conditions for tourists, the construction of hotels and other support systems.
The tourism industry plays a special role in the strategic plans of the country. The Caspian Sea resort of Avaza which is the country's first free economic zone, where the operating investors, firms and companies are granted tax and customs privileges, can be a good example of this.
Turkmenistan is rich in natural and historical sights. At present, UNESCO's World Heritage List includes the monuments of ancient Merv and Nisa Kunyaurgench.
Among the tourist country partners are companies from the Russian Federation and CIS countries, France, Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Great Britain, Latvia, USA, Australia, UAE, Iran, China and South Korea.
Currently, the state and individual tour companies of Turkmenistan signed over 300 agreements on cooperation with foreign partners.