Dear participants of the conference!

Dear guests!

I cordially congratulate you on the start of the International Conference «Main directions and potential of tourism development in Turkmenistan»!

I am firmly convinced that the conference held in Ashgabat, the capital of independent neutral Turkmenistan, will be an important step in the development of international cooperation between tourism organizations of the world.

In the era of the Rebirth of a new era of a powerful state, our neutral Homeland is consistently expanding constructive partnership with various countries. The development of international cooperation in the field of tourism also plays an important role in Turkmenistan's foreign policy. Our independent state is actively increasing its dialogue with the World Tourism Organization, the World Federation of Tourist Cities and foreign tour operators.

The regular holding of the International Conference "Main directions and potential of tourism development in Turkmenistan" is of great importance in the further development of this sphere, strengthening cooperation with countries of the world, exchanging experience, establishing business ties with partners.

The constantly developing international cooperation, established thanks to the constructive initiatives of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, greatly contributes to the achievement of success and the introduction of world practice in this field in the country.

Large-scale state programs for the development of tourism increase the global prestige of neutral Turkmenistan and find broad support from the international community. The tourism industry of our country is developing on the basis of progressive achievements, rich experience, and modern trends in international tourism.

Dear participants of the conference!

Dear friends!

It is particularly significant that the holding of this international conference coincides with the launch ceremony of events on the occasion of the proclamation by the International Organization of Turkic Culture of the city of Anau as the cultural capital of the Turkic world in 2024. Anau occupies a unique place in the glorious history of the Turkmen people. This city plays an important role in popularizing the ancient culture of Turkmenistan, national values, traditions and customs of our people in the world.

Historical monuments of our country, such as Ancient Merv, Nisa, Kunyaurgench, «The Great Silk Road: Zaravshan–Karakum Corridor», the state nature reserves «Bereketli Garagum», «Gaplaingyr», the state biosphere Reserve «Repetek» and its desert ecosystem «Yerajy» are included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. These places are widely known for their ancient monuments dating back to the early centuries and their unique nature.

The historical and cultural values and original traditions of the Turkmen people are the property of the national heritage.

The rich flora and fauna, archaeological sites of Turkmenistan, including medieval architecture, are objects of increased interest to foreign travelers.

The city of Ashgabat, included in the rating of the World Federation of Tourist Cities, the striking beauty of the buildings of the city of Arkadag, the National Tourist Zone «Avaza», the natural features of the Karakum desert and Koitendaga testify to the huge tourist potential of the country.

In the future, holding such international conferences is designed to greatly promote the popularization of historical, cultural and natural monuments of Turkmenistan, beautiful corners of the Motherland, and attract tourists to our country.

Dear participants of the conference!

Dear guests!

Once again, I cordially congratulate you on the start of the International Conference «Main directions and potential of tourism development in Turkmenistan»!

I wish you good health and great success in the development of the tourism industry!

President of Turkmenistan

Serdar Berdimuhamedow.