Ashgabat’s Tourism Brand Presented at the World Summit on Urban Tourism in Busan
A delegation from the Ashgabat city administration (hyakimlik), led by Hyakim Rahym Gandymov, participated in the 2nd World Summit on Urban Tourism, held in Busan, South Korea, under the theme "Local Tourism: Connecting Urban Economies and Tourism Innovation." The forum brought together representatives from over thirty cities across 16 countries, as well as industry experts and leaders.
During the forum, the head of the Turkmen capital spoke at a roundtable for mayors, highlighting Ashgabat’s potential as a "white-marble" metropolis, a hub for international dialogue, and a gateway to UNESCO World Heritage sites.
In a meeting between Mr. Gandymov and the Mayor of Busan, Park Heong-joon, the two sides discussed shared areas for growth—ranging from the exchange of expertise in developing modern tourism infrastructure and digital services to the implementation of joint cultural projects.
The summit also placed special emphasis on cooperation between South Korea and Central Asia. During a dedicated session, the Turkmen delegation showcased the capital’s hospitality and logistics capabilities. Furthermore, a thematic stand representing Turkmenistan was featured at the "Global City Tourism Roadshow," introducing forum attendees to the country’s rich historical and cultural heritage and its national traditions.
