President Serdar Berdimuhamedov received the Secretary General of the UN World Tourism Organization Zurab Pololikashvili, who arrived in Ashgabat to participate in the International Conference “Main directions and potential for tourism development in Turkmenistan”.

According to the State News Agency of Turkmenistan, during the conversation, the parties discussed the current state and prospects for the development of traditional cooperation that meets mutual interests.

– One of the key vectors of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy is the development of a multifaceted strategic partnership with the United Nations and its specialized structures, including the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

Turkmenistan has been a member of the UNWTO since 1993, and for more than 30 years we have accumulated useful experience in cooperation,” President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized.
At the same time, noting that the potential of the partnership is not fully used, the head of state expressed support for the establishment of more effective bilateral relations that meet the modern realities and capabilities of Turkmenistan.

As noted, Turkmenistan currently pays special attention to the development of the tourism industry. Natural and climatic conditions and great historical and cultural potential, rich national traditions and original customs, as well as new and high-quality infrastructure are the main factors in the development of national tourism.

Turkmenistan has repeatedly received entries in the Guinness Book of Records. The capital of Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, is recognized as the whitest marble city in the world, and its many attractions are also included in the book of world records.

It should be noted that Turkmenistan has been the center of civilizations since ancient times, where the Great Silk Road passed.

– The historical sites of Kunyaurgench, Ancient Merv and Nisa, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, provide an opportunity to get acquainted with the unique cultural heritage and ancient history of the Turkmen people, the head of the Turkmen state emphasized.

Very impressive places for ecological tourism are the beautiful mountain corners of the Kopetdag, the flora and fauna of the Karakum desert, the coastal zones of the Amu Darya, Koytendag, as well as the Turkmen coast of the Caspian Sea.

It was noted that another important area of the national economy of Turkmenistan is the health, treatment and sanatorium-resort sector. In all corners of the country, the number of specialized facilities and the range of services provided in them are growing, which create favorable conditions for recreational tourism.

In this regard, it was emphasized that Turkmenistan continues to intend to develop sustainable tourism, the goals of which coincide with the Sustainable Development Goals, to achieve socio-economic progress and ensure environmental well-being.