TurkmenTravel–2026

During a Cabinet of Ministers meeting chaired via the digital system by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, preparations were reviewed for one of the key spring events: the international forum “TurkmenTravel–2026”, to be held April 14–17, 2026. The agenda includes specialized seminars and round‑table sessions organized jointly with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), along with a scientific–practical conference on innovation in the tourism industry. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov instructed that the forum be organized at a high level and that Turkmenistan’s tourism potential be presented in line with government declarations. according to turkmenistan.gov .™.

The forum will bring together tour operators, airlines, hospitality representatives, and experts in cultural heritage and ecotourism; ca. 100 foreign delegates and ~60 participants from Turkmenistan’s tourism sector are expected. The business program features presentations of new tourism products, discussions on international cooperation, and showcases of modern technological solutions for tourism. A special focus will be placed on ecotourism, ethnographic routes, and health & wellness tourism, with B2B and B2G meetings to expand cooperation between government institutions and the private sector. The event is organized by the Ministry of Culture, the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan, in partnership with Talvas Yoly and Oguz Forum & Expo—according to Business.com

Turkmenistan’s Tourism Potential

UNESCO Sites and Heritage

Turkmenistan possesses a rich UNESCO‑inscribed heritage, including three major World Heritage cultural sites—Ancient Merv, Kunya‑Urgench, and the Parthian Fortresses of Nisa—as well as the transboundary Cold Winter Deserts of Turan and the Silk Roads: Zarafshan–Karakum Corridor. Its intangible heritage includes the traditional Turkmen carpet‑making art, the Kushtdepdi rite of singing and dancing, and dutar craftsmanship and performance—all underscoring the country’s Silk Road history and living traditions, according to UNESCO.

E‑Visas and Easier Entry

Turkmenistan is following in the footsteps of other Central Asian countries by opening up to tourism, with a law adopted in April 2025 that introduces electronic visas and simplifies entry for foreigners, according to Wein, A. (2025, April 22). Foreigners will be able to apply via a simplified online system without a letter of invitation—a move expected to increase revenues and trade and to emulate regional success stories (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan), according to Travel Tomorrow.
Independent reporting by AP News and The Independent corroborates that the law removes the invitation‑letter requirement and delegates e‑visa specifics to presidential regulation.

A Country of Under‑Explored Potential

Indeed, Turkmenistan has substantial untapped tourism potential. As a Kazakh website noted: “Within the Central Asian region, Turkmenistan stands out as a country where historical continuity and natural diversity converge, yet its tourism potential remains only partially explored. The territory of Turkmenistan encompasses ancient centers of civilization, key nodes of the Silk Road, architectural monuments of the Islamic era, and unique natural landscapes, forming a solid foundation for the development of cultural and educational tourism.” (QRA Centre).

This includes natural wonders such as the Darvaza Gas Crater (“Door to Hell”) and Yangykala Canyon, alongside Silk Road heritage at Merv and Nisa. Merv is among the largest, best‑preserved oasis cities of the Silk Road; Nisa reflects early Parthian statehood; Kunya‑Urgench showcases the achievements of Khorezm’s Islamic architecture—according to QRA Centre and UNESCO.

The capital Ashgabat is internationally known for its white‑marble architecture and holds a Guinness World Record for the highest density of white marble‑clad buildings—an urban spectacle that itself supports city tourist.

On the Caspian coast, the Avaza National Tourist Zone offers resort tourism and business/conference facilities, and has hosted major international gatherings; Avaza is a pillar of Turkmenistan’s recreational development strategy, with hotels, parks, and leisure infrastructure—according to official sources from the Turkmen MFA and regional reporting. On the official website of the Turkmen MFA, we can read that

‘The Turkmen part of the Caspian Sea has immense potential for the development of wellness, recreation, and ecological tourism. Currently, tourism is one of the important sectors of Turkmenistan's economy, contributing significantly to the socio-economic development of the country. The presentation ceremony of the Avaza National Tourist Zone held in June 2007 became a world-wide event and became a clear evidence of a new approach to the development of the country's recreation and tourism system.”

The Avaza National Tourist Zone on the Caspian Sea coast in Balkan Province is cementing its reputation as one of Turkmenistan’s leading resort destinations, attracting approximately 150,000 visitors annually according to caspianpost.com

Finally, health & balneological tourism; for example at Mollagara and Archman sanatoria; draws on mineral waters, therapeutic muds, and specialized rehabilitation offerings.

In the government website, we can read that:

“The Mollagara resort is located near the city of Balkanabat, on the eastern shore of the ancient Uzboy, and extends to the foothills of the Great Balkan Mountains. The resort's natural resources include therapeutic mud and mineral water rich in healing salt. The sanatorium complex includes a hospital and a medical-diagnostic building with 500 places, a beauty salon with 35 places, a hotel with 170 places, a medical-rehabilitation building, and a children's department with 30 places. There is also a dining room with 250 places, six dormitories with 123 rooms for sanatorium staff and auxiliary facilities”.

Caspian Coast and cooperation with Kazakhstan

If Turkmenistan further opens tourism, together with neighboring Kazakhstan, they could transform the Caspian coast into an ideal destination for European and Asian travelers. In Kazakhstan, Aktau—the principal port city and a major tourism gateway to Mangystau’s dramatic landscapes—has seen a surge in arrivals and infrastructure development (new hotels, projects, a planned Kendirli airport), with >350,000 tourists in the first nine months of 2025 and double‑digit growth, according to regional officials and media. This context suggests strong potential for complementary Caspian itineraries pairing Aktau/Mangystau with Avaza/Turkmenbashi. according to Baisalbek, O. and Astana Times.

Historical and Natural heritages

Turkmenistan has a lot of Natural Wonders. For example, the Darvaza Gas Crater (Karakum Desert), ca. 260 km north of Ashgabat, has burned since the early 1970s and remains the country’s best‑known visitor draw. Yangykala Canyon (“Turkmen Grand Canyon”) in the Balkan region offers multihued cliffs and remote desert scenery, usually accessed by 4×4 from Turkmenbashi or Balkanabat.“Few people have ever heard of, let alone visited, one of Turkmenistan’s most impressive natural attractions” wrote Tony Dunnell for Atlasobscura.com

The Silk Road cities of Merv, Nisa, and Kunya‑Urgench form an archaeological backbone for cultural itineraries (UNESCO World Heritage). Among the most important elements of Turkmenistan’s cultural heritage are the Akhal‑Teke horses.

Indeed, Turkmenistan is the home country of the most beautiful horses and most beautiful carpets in the whole world.

Akhal‑Teke horse culture; the turkmen carpet; Kushtdepdi song‑dance rite; dutar craftsmanship and performance—elements recognized by UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage and readily programmable into festival or museum experiences.Turkmen carpets are widely regarded as among the most beautiful and finest in the world, recognized for their intense red colors, incredible knot density, and intricate geometric (medallion) patterns. As a UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritage, they symbolize the deep, ancient nomadic traditions of the Turkmen people.

Regarding Turkmen horses, The Times of India ranks the Akhal‑Teke among the top ten most beautiful horse breeds in the world.

The French traveler Modera wrote in the 19th century: “Turkmen women are real artists, they weave the most beautiful and stronger carpets.”

Turkmenistan has great potential to attract domestic and foreign tourists. Historical monuments shape the country’s unique image, and cultural heritage plays an important role in the development of tourism—forming a basis for tours, programs, and events. Historical records show that sites such as Ancient Anau, Merv, Nisa, Kunyaurgench, Altyn‑Depe, and Namazga‑Depe once had thriving cultures (Turkmenistan Government, 2025).

Seljuk Heritage

Seljuk history is crucial in the history of the Turkic world. The Turkmen/Oghuz/Seljuks are known for founding an empire that later paved the way for the Ottoman Empire, one of history’s greatest (Peacock, A. C., 2015; and Durdyyev & Atdayeva, 2023). (according to UNESCO).

The Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar (Merv) is one of the most famous monuments of the Seljuk era and is located in Turkmenistan. It is a masterpiece of medieval Islamic architecture, known to attract significant scholarly and tourist interest. The mausoleum contains the tomb of Ahmad Sanjar (r. 1118–1157), one of the Seljuks’ most renowned sultans. It is a large square building topped by a massive dome—once clad in turquoise tiles. The base measures 27 meters per side and the dome rises to about 38 meters, making it visible from a great distance. The exterior brickwork, characteristic of the Seljuk style, creates a striking visual effect—according to Travel Land and qra-center.

Inside, the main chamber houses the sultan’s tomb, and the interior walls are decorated with geometric patterns and inscriptions. Built as a religious and commemorative monument, it blends functional design with expressions of divine authority and celestial symbolism. During Sanjar’s reign, Merv became one of the largest and most prosperous cities of its time, serving as a cultural and economic hub on the Silk Road—according to Travel Land and UNESCO background notes on Merv.

Conclusion

With TurkmenTravel–2026, Turkmenistan has an opportunity to synchronize policy, product, and promotion and Build cross‑Caspian itineraries with Aktau/Mangystau to capture travelers already flowing into the Caspian and amplify regional appeal. The Mangystau Region ranked third nationwide in attracting foreign tourists in 2025, with more than 350,000 visitors recorded in the January-September 2025 period according to Astana Times.

If these strands are woven together—as the country’s carpets are—the forum can mark the pivot from potential to performance, positioning Turkmenistan as a credible, distinctive Silk Road destination built on heritage, wellness, and desert landscapes.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Dunnel, T. Atlas Obscura. (2019, May 21). Yangykala Canyon in Balkanabat. https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/yangykala-canyon

Baisalbek, O. QRA Centre. (n.d.). Turkmenistan: Cultural-historical heritage and tourism potential. https://qra-centre.kz/en/issledovanie/turkmenistan-cultural-historical-heritage-and-tourism-potential [qra-centre.kz ]

Birbayeva, A. (2025, December 24). Mangystau Region emerges as one of Kazakhstan’s top destinations for foreign tourists in 2025. The Astana Times. https://astanatimes.com/2025/12/mangystau-region-emerges-as-one-of-kazakhstans-top-destinations-for-foreign-tourists-in-2025/ [astanatimes.com ]

Business Turkmenistan. (2026). Ashgabat to host Turkmen Travel 2026 international tourism forum. Business.com.tm. https://business.com.tm/post/14810/ashgabat-to-host-turkmen-travel-2026-international-tourism-forum

Caspian Post. (2025, August 13). Turkmenistan’s Avaza draws crowds with crystal‑clear waters and family‑friendly resorts. https://caspianpost.com/turkmenistan/turkmenistan-s-avaza-draws-crowds-with-crystal-clear-waters-and-family-friendly-resorts [curlytales.com ]

Durdyyev, A. G., Sh, B. G., & Atdayeva, M. H. (2023). ANCIENT TURKMEN RULERS. Символ науки, (11-2-1), 21-23.

Guinness World Records. (2013). Highest density of white marble‑clad buildings. https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/highest-density-of-white-marble-clad-buildings [takeyourbackpack.com ]

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. (2022, October 1). Avaza National Tourist Zone. https://www.mfa.gov.tm/en/articles/5 [mfa.gov.tm ]

Peacock, A. C. (2015). Great Seljuk Empire. Edinburgh University Press.

Turkmenistan Government. (2022, May 28). Turkmen carpet is an internationally recognized example of perfect art. https://turkmenistan.gov.tm/en/post/63700/turkmen-carpet-internationally-recognized-example-perfect-art [turkmenistan.gov.tm ]

Turkmenistan Government. (2026). International tourism exhibition and conference “TurkmenTravel–2026” will be held in Ashgabat. Turkmenistan.gov.tm.

Turkmenistan Government. (2025). Turkmenistan is actively developing international tourism. Turkmenistan.gov.tm. https://www.turkmenistan.gov.tm/en/post/93733/turkmenistan-actively-developing-international-tourism

Turkmenistan Government. (2022, May 28). Turkmen carpet is an internationally recognized example of perfect art. https://turkmenistan.gov.tm/en/post/63700/turkmen-carpet-internationally-recognized-example-perfect-art [turkmenistan.gov.tm ]

Travel Land. (n.d.). Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar. Trvlland.com. https://trvlland.com/turkmenistan/sights/mausoleum-of-sultan-sanjar/ [trvlland.com ]

https://turkmenistan.gov.tm/en/post/104376/international-tourism-exhibition-and-conference-turkmentravel-2026-will-be-held-ashgabat

Turkmenistan Government. (2024, August 29). Mollagara is a world‑renowned resort. https://turkmenistan.gov.tm/en/post/86901/mollagara-world-renowned-resort [turkmenistan.gov.tm ]

UNESCO. (2019). Traditional Turkmen carpet‑making art in Turkmenistan (Intangible Cultural Heritage, List No. 01486). https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/traditional-turkmen-carpet-making-art-in-turkmenistan-01486 [ich.unesco.org ]

Wein, A. (2025, April 22). Turkmenistan eases entry restrictions in bid to boost tourism. Travel Tomorrow. https://traveltomorrow.com/turkmenistan-eases-entry-restrictions-in-bid-to-boost-tourism/ [traveltomorrow.com ]