BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. The expansion of Turkmenistan's tourist sector will generate new prospects for job generation, assist local economies, and improve the wellness of the population, a source in the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) told Trend.
"The tourism industry has the potential to generate socioeconomic progress in the country, and UN Tourism is committed to helping Turkmen authorities seize this opportunity and maximize its benefits," the source said.
Turkmenistan, according to the organization, is a relatively unknown destination for many markets, including Europe and Asia, and is home to various historical cities and sites such as Merv, Nisa, and Konye-Urgench.
"Its location along the Silk Road defines its uniqueness, as do its rich cultural legacy and authentic traditions. Furthermore, Turkmenistan's urban infrastructure is substantially developed, yet its national tourism brand is largely unknown on a global scale. Efforts in this direction are vital to increasing awareness and attracting international visitors," the source added.
Furthermore, the organization stated that by the end of 2023, the volume of international tourism amounted to 88 percent of the level that existed before the pandemic, while the number of international arrivals was estimated at 1.3 billion people.
"The release of residual pent-up demand, greater air connectivity, and a more robust recovery of markets and destinations are predicted to support a full recovery by the end of 2024. This demonstrates tourism's resiliency and speedy rebound. The recovery is already having a tremendous influence on economies, jobs, growth, and prospects for communities worldwide. These figures further highlight the importance of promoting sustainability and inclusion in tourism development," the source said.
The official of the organization emphasized that the
aforementioned criteria are equally relevant for Turkmenistan and
its national economy and that the UNWTO recognized the country's
enormous tourism potential.
Meanwhile, at the end of March this year, Turkmen President Serdar
Berdimuhamedov met with UNWTO Secretary General Zurab
Pololikashvili in Ashgabat.
The President stated that Turkmenistan aspires to expand
sustainable tourism, whose objectives align with the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs), in order to achieve socioeconomic
progress and environmental well-being.