CAREC Tourism Working Group Meeting on Capacity Building in the Tourism Sector at the Regional Level

In partnership with:
CAREC and Asian Development Bank (ADB)

25 – 27 June

Istanbul, Türkiye.

Context:

From June 25-27, 2024, the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program, supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), convened the concluding Tourism Working Group Meeting focusing on capacity building in the tourism sector at the regional level. This meeting follows a series of previous initiatives and events embedded in the CAREC’s Tourism Strategy 2030 which aim is to promote a regional approach to sustainable tourism development, to maximize economic opportunities and to safeguard ecosystems. The process directly connects with complementary national or regional initiatives supported by UN Tourism and its partners in Central Asia including in Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and AlmatyBishkek Economic Corridor between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyz Republic.

Government officials, tourism professionals, and private sector representatives from 10 CAREC member countries met in Istanbul, Türkiye, from 25 to 27 June to discuss the future of regional tourism cooperation, the development of regional tourism products, and strategies including the enhancement of the CAREC #VisitSilkRoad portal, together with experts and presenters from UN Tourism, ADB and GIZ.

Highlights

Key Discussions: The event focused on the long-term success of the CAREC #VisitSilkRoad portal, the potential of the regional tourism industry, visa facilitation, and the establishment of a collaborative tourism office to enhance regional cooperation. Experts emphasized the importance of a compelling regional approach to promoting tourism products that highlight the unique attractions of the CAREC region.
Sessions and Presentations: The meeting included presentations on the CAREC Tourism Portal's results, investment opportunities, and capacity-building efforts. Regional product case studies showcased successful tourism initiatives, while discussions on visa facilitation addressed the challenges and opportunities for a unified Silk Road Visa. Presentations also explored the potential of heritage tourism and sustainable tourism practices to enhance the region's appeal.
Workshops and Hands-On Experiences: Participants engaged in practical sessions on community engagement, sustainable tourism, and leveraging technology to enhance tourist experiences. These workshops fostered creativity and collaboration, allowing participants to brainstorm innovative solutions.
Statement of Intent: The CAREC Tourism Working Group members expressed their shared commitment to pursue further collaboration. They confirmed the importance of following the CAREC Tourism Strategy 2030 and emphasized key priorities such as connectivity, quality standards, skills development, marketing, and market intelligence. Furthermore, acknowledging the need for a regional tourism cooperation mechanism and expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from UN Tourism, ADB and other partners.

Stay Tuned:

The momentum for sustainable and inclusive tourism in the CAREC region is stronger than ever. The insights and discussions from this meeting will guide future initiatives to enhance regional cooperation and promote the CAREC #VisitSilkRoad brand. Stay tuned for updates on the establishment of a regional tourism cooperation mechanism and upcoming collaborative opportunities.