Ashgabat has once again confirmed its status as one of the most hospitable centers in the region. On April 14, the international forum "Turkmentravel 2026" kicked off in the capital, bringing together over 70 companies. Tour operators, hoteliers, and experts from Uzbekistan, Belarus, Thailand, and even Uganda gathered to explore new growth opportunities in the global travel market.

The forum's exhibits resemble a journey through time. The pavilion of the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan combines artifacts from Gonurdepe and Old Nisa with futuristic models of the city of Arkadag. Foreign delegates linger for long periods in front of their monitors: the landscapes of Koytendag and the Caspian coast alternate with images of the region's first "smart" urban environment. Arkadag has already become a must-see destination for foreign visitors, impressing them with its architectural purity and technological advancement.

The atmosphere on the sidelines of the exhibition was enhanced not only by the talks but also by live bakhshi music. Craftsmen's workshops were located next to the high-tech stands of UAE and Turkish airlines. Here, classic carpet weaving and exquisite embroidery sit alongside a tasting area of Turkmen cuisine, which traditionally draws queues of foreign experts.

The business portion of the forum quickly moved from greetings to specifics. Today, approximately 300 private companies are active in Turkmenistan's tourism sector. A key focus of discussion was the country's integration into global networks: following Ashgabat, Mary, Turkmenabat, Kunyaurgench, and the seaside resort of Avaza are preparing to join the World Tourism Cities Federation.

Representatives of UNESCO and the UN World Tourism Organization particularly noted the potential of cross-border routes. The Great Silk Road is once again being revived—this time in the form of joint tours linking the region's landmarks into a single logistics chain.

The forum is not limited to presentations. The program for participants includes roundtable discussions and the signing of direct contracts between local agencies and international partners. A UN Tourism seminar on industry management, where Turkmen specialists will study sustainable development cases, will add practical value to the event.

Turkmentravel 2026 will conclude with a major scientific and practical conference, but it is already clear: for Turkmenistan, tourism is not just a hospitality industry but also an effective tool for cultural diplomacy.