CAREC tourism working group meeting held in Tashkent
2026-09-14 09:45:00 / News
The meeting focused on revitalising and strengthening the activities of the Working Group, implementing the Memorandum of Understanding on CAREC Regional Tourism Development signed in November 2025, and identifying priorities for joint work in 2026–2027.
Participants discussed a new ADB technical assistance project on sustainable tourism and trade in services. Key areas include digitalisation of the tourism sector, human capital development, improving tourism statistics, promoting sustainable tourism principles, and modernising the regional Visit Silk Road tourism portal.
Particular attention was paid to developing cross-border tourism, creating joint tourism routes and corridors, improving infrastructure, expanding public-private partnerships, and developing a regional tourism investment portfolio. Representatives of CAREC countries presented their national priorities, current challenges and prospective project initiatives.
The participants also explored opportunities for cooperation with UN Tourism, including through its Silk Road thematic office, as well as prospects for joint activities within the framework of the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism 2027.
Following the meeting, participants agreed on further steps for the Working Group, identified priority areas for regional cooperation, and outlined promising national and cross-border tourism projects.
The final day of the programme was dedicated to familiarisation with Uzbekistan’s tourism potential. As part of a field visit, representatives of CAREC countries and international organisations visited the UN Tourism Academy and a number of tourism infrastructure facilities, gaining insights into Uzbekistan’s experience in developing tourism products, infrastructure and human resources.
The meeting in Tashkent provided an important platform for exchanging experience and developing joint solutions aimed at promoting sustainable and cross-border tourism, attracting investment and strengthening tourism cooperation across the CAREC region.