8 November 2018
On 22-23 October 2018, a Regional ADB Tourism Cooperation meeting was held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan to discuss promotion of tourism sector in CAREC (Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Programme) countries.
The Forum was jointly organized by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), CAREC Secretariat and CAREC Institute, with contribution from UNESCO, and participation of the following country experts - Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, China, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, as well as private sector representatives.The CAREC new programme aims to identify opportunities for enhancing and expanding cooperation among countries on the Silk Roads in the tourism sector, to maximize economic opportunities while managing possible negative socio-cultural and environmental impacts. The workshop discussed country and regional initiatives that already promote tourism development and focused on possible efforts for increased tourism cooperation among countries. The workshop deliberated on key challenges and opportunities for regional initiatives and collaborative actions in the tourism sector and provided a platform for dialogue and interaction between tourism-related actors.
UNESCO participated at this meeting, represented by UNESCO Almaty and Tashkent offices, and shared experiences on Natural Sciences and Culture sectors’ work in promotion of sustainable tourism globally and regionally. This workshop outcomes are expected to establish a roadmap of ways in which the countries of the CAREC region can work together to resolve difficulties in key areas such as travel facilitation, human resource development, product development and marketing.
UNESCO contributes to sustainable tourism development notably through promotion of intangible cultural heritage and World Heritage Sites, as well as Man and the Biosphere programme (MAB) and UNESCO Global Geoparks Programme.
Permanent link: http://en.unesco.kz/unesco-participates-in-a-regional-tourism-cooperation-meeting-in-tashkent