Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The CAREC Tourism Working Group met in Tashkent to discuss regional cooperation and the development of tourism among countries participating in the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) programme.
Representatives of tourism authorities from CAREC countries, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), international organisations, development partners and the private sector took part in the meeting, which was supported by Uzbekistan’s Tourism Committee.
Participants discussed the resumption and intensification of the Working Group’s activities, implementation of the CAREC Memorandum of Understanding on Regional Tourism Development signed in November 2025, and priorities for joint activities in 2026–2027.
A key topic was a new ADB technical assistance project focused on sustainable tourism and trade in services.
The project includes digitalisation of the tourism sector, human capital development, improvements to tourism statistics, the introduction of sustainable tourism principles and modernisation of the regional Visit Silk Road portal.
Particular attention was given to cross-border tourism. Participants discussed the development of joint tourism routes and corridors, infrastructure development, expanded public-private partnerships and the creation of a regional investment portfolio for tourism.
Representatives of CAREC countries presented their national priorities, current challenges and prospective project initiatives.
Participants also discussed opportunities for cooperation with UN Tourism, including engagement with its Silk Road thematic office, as well as prospects for joint activities under the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism 2027.
Following the meeting, the parties agreed on further steps for the Working Group, identified priority areas for regional cooperation and outlined prospective national and cross-border tourism projects.
On the final day, representatives of CAREC countries and international organisations were introduced to Uzbekistan’s tourism potential.
They visited the UN Tourism Academy and tourism infrastructure facilities, where they reviewed the country’s experience in developing tourism products, infrastructure and human resources.
The Tashkent meeting provided a platform for exchanging experience and developing joint solutions in sustainable and cross-border tourism, investment attraction and stronger regional cooperation within CAREC.
