Ashgabat will host the International Conference “Main directions and potential for tourism development in Turkmenistan” on March 27-28 this year. The Department of Tourism of the Ministry of Culture of the country spoke about active preparations for the large-scale event.

Eminent guests have already confirmed their participation in the forum: Secretary General of the UN World Tourism Organization Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary General of the Economic Cooperation Organization Khusrav Noziri, representatives of the International Organization of World Heritage Cities. The presence of the Minister of Tourism of Sri Lanka and the head of the Health Resort Agency of the Ministry of Economy of Georgia is expected, writes the online publication asmannews.

It is also reported that the delegation will include heads of leading travel companies from China, Germany, Sweden, Japan and Iran. Universities specializing in training personnel for the tourism industry, including the International University of Tourism in Samarkand, also showed interest.

The forum will include a scientific and practical conference at the Turkmen State Institute of Culture, working meetings and the signing of cooperation agreements between tour operators. An exhibition presenting the tourism potential of Turkmenistan will take place in the lobby of the “Yyldiz” hotel.

Guests will take part in the celebrations marking the awarding of the city of Anau the status of the cultural capital of the Turkic world in 2024. A rich cultural program has been prepared for the delegates with a visit to the “Nisa” historical and cultural reserve, museums and an excursion to the city of Arkadag.