On the 30th of August, the XXXV meeting of the Council of Heads of State Information Agencies of the Commonwealth of Independent States was held in the city of Cholpon‑Ata (Kyrgyz Republic), which will be the main venue for the VI World Nomad Games. The delegation of Turkmenistan took part in the meeting.
The main topic of discussion was the activities of news agencies in developing the tourism potential of the CIS countries. As noted, tourism plays an important role in the economic development of many countries. Within the framework of the Commonwealth, a Strategy for the Development of Cooperation in the Field of Tourism is being implemented, aimed at consolidating the participating states to create a common tourism space. In order to address the key objectives of this programmatic document, as well as to facilitate dialogue between relevant entities, exchange experience, and identify joint investment projects, various events are organised, including exhibitions, forums, and festivals.
Information support plays a major role in unlocking the enormous potential of the Commonwealth countries in this area, which is identified as one of the priority aspects in national tourism development strategies. Through the media, including digital platforms, CIS countries can share best practices for modernizing infrastructure, developing the relevant regulatory framework, and implementing the most successful projects. Moreover, information support helps make a country or region attractive for travel, and cooperation in this area becomes more effective. In this context, presentations were made by news agencies from the Commonwealth countries about the work being carried out in this area, as well as about opportunities for expanding cooperation.
In a presentation highlighting potential of Turkmenistan for developing the tourism sector – including sanatorium and resort tourism, as well as ecological, ethnographic and sports tourism – it was noted that our country is known for its rich cultural heritage, ancient historical and archaeological monuments, and unique natural resources. In this regard, this sector, which has been identified as one of the priority vectors of the state policy established by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Hero‑Arkadag, and is now being duly continued by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, is today one of the dynamically developing sectors of the national economy.
The main aspects of the large‑scale work being carried out to develop tourism in Turkmenistan include expanding the range and variety of tourist routes, improving the material and technical base of the sector, enhancing the quality of services provided, training qualified personnel for the industry, and, importantly, strengthening information and advertising activities. In this process, great importance is attached to the joint efforts of specialised institutions and media structures of the country.
Based on this, to widely highlight the existing potential in this area, informational and educational materials are published in print media, online publications, and on television channels, and special programs on this topic are prepared.
During the meeting, the progress of preparations for the 6th World Nomad Games (WNG) – the largest international competitions in ethnic sports – was also discussed. The Games of the Peoples of Eurasia form the basis of the competitions, which serve as an important platform for preserving and developing the ethnosport and ethnocultural movement as part of heritage of humanity.
The current Games are intended to further strengthen friendly ties between the participating countries and to promote traditional sports disciplines that have existed for hundreds of years – from equestrian games to national wrestling and archery. It should be noted that, along with athletes from the countries of the region, Turkmen athletes have taken part in these competitions since the first Games, securing prize‑winning places.
Special emphasis was placed on providing information support for the international ethno‑sport forum, which over the years of its operation has become a platform for cultural dialogue.
Among the issues discussed at the meeting of the Information Council were the upcoming events of the CIS Executive Committee dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the Commonwealth, as well as the activities of the new ANIA website.
As part of the cultural program, a number of events were held to familiarise participants with the sports facilities where the competitions would take place and the tourist infrastructure facilities of Kyrgyzstan.
The participants of the meeting will also take part in the opening ceremony of the VI World Nomad Games, which are seen as a tool for cultural diplomacy and international cooperation.
