The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved technical assistance under the regional project “Sustainable Tourism and Trade in Services,” aimed at supporting digital transformation and sustainable tourism development in 10 countries, including Turkmenistan.

According to Report citing the ADB, along with Azerbaijan, the project also covers Georgia, China, Pakistan, Mongolia, and all Central Asian states.

Funding in the amount of 550 thousand US dollars will be provided through the Special Technical Assistance Fund. According to the Bank, the technical assistance will focus on removing barriers obstructing the development of the tourism sector by introducing digital innovations and sustainability-oriented policies. This will help increase tourism’s contribution to regional trade and economic diversification.

“The project aims to strengthen trade in services by focusing on tourism and digital services in the CAREC region, promoting smart, eco-friendly, and inclusive digital solutions and creating a tourist-friendly environment. The main emphasis is on improving cross-border connectivity, developing a sustainable and efficient tourism policy, and accelerating digital transformation,” the ADB noted.

The Bank highlights that the project will introduce eco-friendly and digital solutions in the tourism sector to enhance the region’s competitiveness and resilience, creating seamless and culturally rich tourism experiences. These initiatives build upon ADB’s previous projects and reflect the commitment of CAREC countries to further regional cooperation and the implementation of the CAREC Tourism Strategy and Action Plan.

The Bank emphasizes that the region has significant potential for cultural, natural, and cross-border tourism, but its growth is limited by low digitalization, weak inter-institutional coordination, and inefficient border procedures. The new project will help address these issues and promote the greening of trade and climate solutions within the “CAREC Integrated Trade Agenda 2030.”

Implementation of the project is expected to expand and digitalize smart, sustainable, and inclusive trade in services, including in the tourism sector. Support will also be provided to institutions responsible for the development and coordination of policies in this field.

The initial project completion date is set for December 31, 2030.