25/10/2025                                                                            
                                    
                                                                            
                                            Tourism as a Bridge for Peace, Connectivity & Shared Prosperity
At the Global Tourism Forum Annual Meeting 2025 in Brussels, Kubanychbek Omuraliev, Secretary-General of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), emphasized that tourism is far more than travel and hospitality — it is a strategic engine for regional growth, cultural diplomacy, and long-term stability.
He highlighted how the Turkic world — from Türkiye to Central Asia and the Altai region — has surpassed 100 million international visitors in 2024, reflecting a rising global presence and shared commitment to tourism-led development.
🚀 Key initiatives shaping this transformation:
• Reviving the historic Silk Road through a unified tourism platform
• Expanding “Tabarru” spiritual tourism routes connecting sacred destinations
• Launching a Joint Museum Pass for seamless cultural discovery
• Declaring Ankara as Turkic World Tourism Capital for 2026
Ambassador Omuraliev’s message was clear:
“Tourism is not merely an economic sector. It is a bridge that turns borders into meeting points—connecting civilizations, promoting peace, and deepening the bonds of brotherhood.”
🤝 The OTS is calling for stronger partnerships with global institutions and private investors to build a tourism ecosystem that is sustainable, inclusive, and resilient.
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📌 Why it matters
The Turkic states are positioning tourism as a catalyst for peace, connectivity, and shared prosperity — proving that even in a fragmented world, tourism can unite cultures and create opportunity for all.