Turkmenistan Promotes Tourism Abroad While Keeping Its Borders Closed
Turkmenistan is preparing to host an international tourism forum. The Turkmen Travel event will take place in Ashgabat from April 14 to 16. Officials are promoting the country’s tourism potential abroad. However, a paradoxical situation persists on the ground. Foreign visitor numbers remain extremely low despite these efforts.
President Serdar Berdimuhamedov instructed organizers to present the country in a dignified manner. Deputy Prime Minister Bahar Seydova briefed officials on the event preparations. The forum aims to showcase modern hotels and new airports. Yet the reality tells a different story.
Strict Visa Regime Deters Visitors
Turkmenistan maintains a strict visa regime that discourages travelers. Foreign tourists rarely visit despite significant infrastructure investments. Modern hotels in Ashgabat and the Avaza tourist zone remain underused. Even travelers with genuine interest face significant visa restrictions.
The challenges extend beyond tourists. International business representatives also encounter lengthy entry procedures. For example, South Korean specialists from Hyundai Engineering faced visa delays in February 2024. They were unable to arrive on time for restoration work at a polymer plant. Such bureaucratic hurdles occur regularly.
Growing Interest but Low Numbers
Market participants note that interest in Turkmenistan does exist. A local travel agency representative confirmed growing demand. Combined tours of Central Asia remain popular among tourists from many countries. These include China, the United States, European nations, Australia, South America, and Russia.
By 2024, demand for trips to Turkmenistan increased by about 50%. This compares with the 2018-2020 period. However, actual visitor numbers remain very low despite this interest. The gap between expressed interest and actual arrivals is significant.
Calls for Policy Change
The current situation highlights a fundamental contradiction. The state promotes tourism abroad while maintaining restrictive entry policies. It seeks to attract foreign companies to major projects. Yet it often fails to provide basic conditions for their operations.
Calls to reconsider current policies are becoming more frequent. Without a more open approach, experts warn, Turkmenistan may struggle to increase tourist arrivals. The broader economic development could also suffer. The paradox of promoting tourism while keeping borders effectively closed remains unresolved.
