Turkestan named as Turkic World’s Tourist Capital for 2024
Turkestan, Kazakhstan – The decision to establish Turkestan as the next capital of the Turkic world in 2024 was announced at the eighth meeting of the Ministers of Tourism of the Organization of Turkic States (OTG), held in Turkestan. The official announcement of this decision is planned to take place at the next summit of the heads of the OTG countries on November 3, in the same city.
Following the meeting, a tourism forum was held in Turkestan on October 12, bringing together representatives from Turkic countries. The main objective of the forum was to establish mutually beneficial cooperation and to showcase the city of Turkestan as the future capital of the Turkic world in 2024. This initiative aims to promote cultural exchange and stimulate tourism within the region.
During the forum, the Kazakh side proposed several initiatives and comprehensive measures to enhance tourism in the OTG. These include increasing the number of flights between major cities in member and observer states of the OTG, creating joint tourist products, and developing the modern Silk Road route. Additionally, an alliance of running marathons among the countries of the OTG was proposed to promote a healthy lifestyle and encourage tourism.
Furthermore, the establishment of a league of OTG universities specializing in tourism and hospitality training was highlighted as a means to improve the professional level of students and facilitate successful careers in the tourism industry.
The “tourist capital of the Turkic world” initiative, which awards the title annually to one of the cities in participating countries of the OTG, was also recognized. The initiative aims to unlock the tourism potential of cities along the Great Silk Road and foster cultural exchange and understanding among the peoples of Turkic countries.
Currently, the Azerbaijani city of Shamakhi holds the title of the “tourist capital of the Turkic world” for this year. Kyanan Guluzade, the adviser to the chairman of the State Tourism Agency of Azerbaijan, stated that the number of tourists visiting Azerbaijan from Turkic countries has significantly increased in recent years. In the first 9 months of 2023, the number of visitors from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkey, Hungary, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan to Azerbaijan increased by 32%, 59%, 20%, 91%, 78%, and 188% respectively.
In related news, the 40th meeting of the Permanent Council of Ministers of Culture of the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY) is currently being held in Shusha, Azerbaijan. At this meeting, the status of the “Cultural Capital of the Turkic World” for 2024 will be transferred to the Turkmen city of Anau.
The decisions made at these meetings and forums highlight the importance of collaboration and cooperation among Turkic countries in developing their tourism sectors and promoting cultural exchange. These initiatives aim to strengthen the bonds among Turkic nations and unlock the tourism potential in the region.
Source: ORIENT news
