One of the largest tourism forums in Central Asia continues in the Turkmen capital — the international exhibition and conference “Turkmentravel – 2026”. The event, running from 14 to 16 April 2026, has brought together tourism industry representatives from various countries and has become an important platform for presenting Turkmenistan’s tourism potential and strengthening regional cooperation.
Around 70 companies — both Turkmen and foreign — have set up their stands at the exhibition. The exposition vividly showcases the full diversity of Turkmen tourism: from the ancient archaeological monuments of Ancient Merv and Nisa to the modern resorts of Avaza.
Visitors showed particular interest in the country’s cultural heritage: the legendary UNESCO World Heritage sites — Gonur Depe, Old Nisa, and Ancient Merv — which continue to remain the main magnets for foreign tourists.
The exhibition also highlighted Turkmenistan’s significant potential in the increasingly popular field of ecotourism. Unique natural attractions include the Koytendag caves with dinosaur footprints and the picturesque mountain landscapes of the Kopetdag range.
The national flavor is emphasized by specialized pavilions featuring famous Turkmen carpets and textiles, which traditionally enjoy high demand among foreign guests.
The international tourism community is represented at Turkmentravel 2026 by stands of airlines from Turkey, the UAE, and Russia, as well as by pavilions of tour operators from Uzbekistan, Thailand, Pakistan, Belarus, and other countries.
During the conference held in the second half of the day, Minister of Culture of Turkmenistan Atageldi Shamuradov presented the key directions for the development of the tourism industry. One of the priority projects is the concept of cross-border routes along the Great Silk Road.
According to statements, Turkmenistan is actively working on the “One Tour — the Whole Region” concept, which will allow tourists to visit Silk Road monuments as part of a single tourist package.
In addition, the development of cruise tourism on the Caspian Sea is under the spotlight. Turkmenistan plans to implement this idea in close partnership with Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Iran. Experts believe that cruise tourism could become a powerful new driver for the economy of the entire Caspian region.
Forum participants noted that since 2020, Ashgabat has been a member of the World Federation of Tourist Cities. In the near future, four more Turkmen destinations are expected to join this prestigious organization: Konye-Urgench, Mary, Turkmenabat, and the Avaza National Tourist Zone.
Representatives of international organizations (the UN, the Organization of Economic Cooperation (OEC), and TURKSOY) highly praised Turkmenistan’s progress. Today, about 300 tourism companies operate in the country, supported by a modern legal and regulatory framework that ensures both the preservation of cultural and natural heritage and the safety of travelers.
“Turkmentravel – 2026” will conclude its work on 16 April with the scientific-practical conference “Tourism — a Bridge of Cultures: Sustainable Development and International Cooperation in Tourism”. The foreign participants enjoy a rich cultural program, including excursions around the white-marble capital of Ashgabat and visits to the main attractions of the Turkmen capital. /// nCa, 15 April 2026