TEHRAN \u2013 The capital city of Ashgabat hosted a joint tourism festival highlighting the cultural heritage and tourism potential of Iran and Turkmenistan, underscoring the deep-rooted relationship between the two neighbors.<\/p>\n
The three-day event, which concluded on Thursday, brought together government officials, diplomats, tourism representatives, and business leaders from both countries to promote cooperation and mutual understanding.<\/p>\n
Tourism cooperation on the rise<\/strong><\/p>\n During the opening ceremony, Akiniyaz Agamuradov, head of the Tourism Department at the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan, expressed his satisfaction with the growing tourism collaboration between the two countries.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are witnessing steady progress in the tourism sector under the leadership of the President of Turkmenistan. Tourism plays a crucial role in the economic development of any country, and in Turkmenistan, great efforts have been made to develop this sector,\u201d Agamuradov stated.<\/p>\n He also highlighted the growing interest of international travelers in Turkmenistan\u2019s historical and cultural landmarks, such as Nisa, Dehistan, Konye-Urgench, and ancient Merv.<\/p>\n The official also emphasized Turkmenistan\u2019s unique position along the historic Silk Road, referring to it as the \u201ccrossroads of the seven roads of the world,\u201d connecting the East and West. Promoting the country\u2019s tourism offerings internationally and enhancing cooperation with neighboring countries remain central goals, which, he noted, would further strengthen regional tourism ties.<\/p>\n Economic and cultural impact of tourism<\/strong><\/p>\n Ali-Mojtaba Rouzbehani, Iran\u2019s ambassador to Turkmenistan, underscored the multifaceted nature of tourism. \u201cTourism is both a cultural and economic exchange,\u201d he said. \u201cWhile it promotes cultural understanding, it also plays a significant role in boosting economic relations, often referred to by economists as \u2018invisible exports.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n Moreover, Rouzbehani cited the UN Tourism\u2019s data, indicating that over 1.5 billion people travel internationally each year, generating nearly $2 trillion in revenue. He added that tourism now stands as the world\u2019s largest service industry, contributing to one in every ten jobs globally.<\/p>\n Highlighting Iran\u2019s attractions, the ambassador said: \u201cIran is known for its rich cultural, historical, and natural heritage, making tourism one of the country\u2019s largest and most diverse economic sectors.\u201d He also stressed the growing cooperation between Iran and Turkmenistan, noting increased cultural exchanges, mutual visits, and events like Nowruz celebrations and other tourism festivals.<\/p>\n Shared heritage and tourism potential<\/strong><\/p>\n Furthermore, a Turkmen tourism professor spoke about the deep historical and cultural ties between the two countries. \u201cCulture has always served as a bridge between people,\u201d he remarked, pointing out that both nations have long exchanged knowledge in art, language, and history.<\/p>\n The professor highlighted the potential for tourism development in both countries, referring to Turkmenistan\u2019s famous attractions like ancient Merv, Konye-Urgench, and its renowned hospitality, and Iran\u2019s global reputation for landmarks such as Persepolis and Isfahan. Joint tourism initiatives, he said, could attract both regional and international visitors, fostering economic growth and strengthening cultural ties.<\/p>\n Hope for deeper cooperation and closer ties<\/strong><\/p>\n Navid Rasouli, Iran\u2019s Cultural Attach\u00e9 in Turkmenistan, emphasized the importance of tourism in today\u2019s global economy. \u201cTourism is recognized as the world\u2019s largest revenue-generating service industry,\u201d he noted, adding that it accounts for one-third of global trade in services.<\/p>\n Rasouli praised the strong tourism potential of both countries, noting their shared cultural heritage and historical connections. \u201cThis festival aims to promote these commonalities and expand tourism cooperation between Iran and Turkmenistan,\u201d he said. Rasouli expressed hope that such events would foster closer bonds between the two nations.<\/p>\n Festival highlights and participation<\/strong><\/p>\n The three-day featured booths showcasing the tourism capabilities of nine Iranian tourism companies, one hotel, and several handicraft traders. Eleven tourism companies from Turkmenistan are also participating.<\/p>\n According to organizers, visitors, including diplomats and officials, had the opportunity to explore the offerings from both nations, engage with tourism representatives, and sample traditional Iranian and Turkmen delicacies.<\/p>\n The festival is seen as a crucial step in expanding bilateral tourism and cultural exchanges between Iran and Turkmenistan, paving the way for future collaborations and a deeper understanding between the two neighboring peoples.<\/p>\n AM<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n![\"Ashgabat](\"https:\/\/media.tehrantimes.com\/d\/t\/2024\/10\/25\/3\/5221026.jpg?ts=1729864979756\")
<\/p>\n![\"Ashgabat](\"https:\/\/media.tehrantimes.com\/d\/t\/2024\/10\/25\/3\/5221027.jpg?ts=1729864979737\")
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