Tourism Development in Central Asia

By: Husniddin Rahmatullaev

Objectives– The notion of tourism industry– Tourism in CA (history)– Tourism in CA countries– Structure of tourism industry in CA Cultural and ecotourismThe impact of UNWTO to the development of tourism of RT

The Notion and concept

• Tourism is one of the world's fastest growing industries as well as the major source of foreign exchange earning and employment for many developing countries.

• In the first eight months of 2006 international tourist arrivals totalled 578 million worldwide (+4.5%), up from 553 million in the same period of 2005, a year which saw an all-time record of 806 million people travelling internationally.

• Growth is expected to continue in 2007 at a pace of around 4% worldwide.• Tourism is vital to the well being of many countries, because of the income

generated by the consumption of goods and services by tourists, the taxes levied on businesses in the tourism industry and the opportunity for employment and economic advancement by working in the industry

History

• At the moment, the interest of the world is being drawn to the great trans-continental routes of the ancient world. The Great Silk Road is a rich tapestry of tourism destinations and products based on the unique and outstandingly rich heritage, nature, and traditions of the dozens of distinct histories, peoples and cultures all along the timeless route, now extending a warm welcome to visitors.

• In 1993 the UNWTO initiated a long-term project to organize and promote the Silk Road as a tourism concept. In 1994, representatives from 19 participating nations came together and adopted the historic Samarkand Declaration on Silk Road Tourism and approved a special logo to be used by all the governments, organizations and private sector entities involved.

Countries

• Kazakhstan With a population of 16.2 million, Kazakhstan has benefited from the good situation of its tourism industry. Setting Turkey's development strategy as its model, the country has been successful in improving its infrastructure. Larger than all Western Europe, Kazakhstan is a vast country of steppes and mountains rich in natural beauty.

• Kyrgyzstan Compared to its neighbors in the region, Kyrgyzstan is not very large. Kyrgyzstan's landscape of high, forested mountains and lush, grassy steppes have attracted Silk Road travelers thankful for the region's cool climate.

• Tajikistan Like Turkmenistan, Tajikistan was once part of Persian territory in old times. During recent years, Tajikistan has attempted to develop its tourism industry through organizing cultural and literary festivals. Considering its cultural and historical situation, the country possesses astounding resources for attracting travelers. Rugged and mountainous, Tajikistan sits at the heart of Central Asia, with China to the east and the Indian subcontinent to the south.

• Turkmenistan The history of Turkmenistan can be traced back to the 4th century BC. After numerous ups and downs, the country is now home to several cultures. Turkmenistan, located on the Silk Road, occupies a strategic spot in the region. It is among those countries which have common borders and good relations with Iran. Elaborately woven, bright crimson carpets created by the delicate hands of nomadic tribal women have become the artistic symbol of Turkmenistan

• Uzbekistan According to statistics, in the year 2010, the country had a population of 28 million, and although its tourism industry has not flourished, it is currently improving its infrastructure to develop the industry. The fabled mosques and madrahssas of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, with their marvelous design and colorful tile work, are just some of the sites in Uzbekistan linked to the Silk Road

Cultural &Eco-tourism in CA

• The spectacular mountainous regions of Central Asia, the Hindu Kush and the Himalayas, closed for many years to visitors from abroad, now attract growing numbers of foreign tourists attracted by the unique cultures and natural beauty of these hitherto isolated areas.

Cultural &Eco-tourism in CA, cont.

• The Development of Cultural and Eco-tourism in the Mountainous Regions of Central Asia and the Himalayas, generously sponsored by the Norwegian Government as well as by UNESCO Regular Program funds, aims to establish links and promote cooperation between local communities, national and international NGOs, and tour agencies in order to involve local populations fully in the employment opportunities and income-generating activities that tourism can bring.

UNWTO in Tajikistan

• Dr. Taleb Rifai was elected as the new Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in May 2009 and his election was ratified in October 2009 by the general assembly of the 155-member inter-governmental body

• Dr. Rifai will hold talks with high-raking Tajik state officials to discuss issues related to expansion of cooperation between the UNWTO and the Tajik Government

Cont.

• Mr. Rifai is also expected to visit Gorno Badakhshan to get acquainted with the situation around Lake Sarez. In Gorno Badakhshan, he will also hold talks with GBAO governor and familiarize himself with tourist zones in the area. The UNWTO Secretary-General is also planned to attend a wedding ceremony in the region

cont.

• In Dushanbe, Dr. Rifai will visit the National Museum named after Kamiliddin Behzod and meet with students from local universities studying tourism management and service marketing

• Thanks