Silk Road Synergies

The focus is placed on technical needs that will allow Member States to raise their tourism capacities from which, in a subsequent stage, transnational linkages (via tourism routes, joint activities) are to evolve organically. Ultimately, UN Tourism aims to match the ideals of those interested in discovering the historic Silk Road routes with competitive conditions, allowing for a seamless travel experience.

Recent activities highlighting this approach include:

• Gansu Revitalization and Innovation Project between UN Tourism and the Gansu Provincial Government of the People's Republic of China, under the umbrella of the World Bank
  Located along the historic routes, Gansu Province's Silk Road heritage has been identified as a Unique Selling Point. Through a Tourism Human Capital Strategy, an International Tourism Marketing Strategy, and tailored capacity-building, UN Tourism supports the Gansu Province of China in gaining competitiveness and international awareness.
• Tourism Diversification Strategy for the Khorezm and South Karakalpakstan regions of Uzbekistan: joint project between UN Tourism, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Ministry of Tourism of Uzbekistan
  In order alleviate pressure on the heritage site of Khiva, a Tourism Diversification Strategy was developed with the intention of identifying and developing niche markets that could (i) increase the length of stay and spending of visitors; (ii) pluralize the available tourism offerings within the two provinces; (iii) enhance competitiveness. Alongside eco-tourism products, the Silk Road, primarily its connection with cultural heritage (forts, sites, and related attractions) have been identified as strong components.
• Strengthening Tourism Development in Tajikistan: a joint project between UN Tourism, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Committee for Tourism Development under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan
  This multi-year project (2020-2023) focused on the delivery of three outputs – (i) statistical assistance and the delivery of a TSA Report; (ii) development of a Sustainable Tourism Plan and capacity-building workshops; and (iii) the development of an international and national Visitor Survey. Within all three deliverables, the Silk Road was identified as a key element that would allow the country to gain competitiveness and build further linkages with neighbouring countries: for example, through Silk Road packaged tours.