DUSHANBE, June 20, 2016, Asia-Plus – The United States is expected to help Tajikistan improve its tourism potential.

Head of the Committee for Youth, Sports and Tourism Affairs, Adham Abdullozoda, met with U.S. Ambassador to Tajikistan, Ms. Elizabeth I. Millard, at the end of last week.

According to the Committee press center, the two discussed issues related to expansion of bilateral cooperation between Tajikistan and the United States in the sphere of tourism.

Ambassador Millard reportedly noted that she intended to invite U.S. specialist in the sphere of tourism in the near future to thoroughly study Tajikistan’s tourism potential and tourist attractions in the country.

Ms. Millard said that she is ready to provide assistance with propagating Tajikistan’s tourism sector, the source said.

The two sides reportedly reached an agreement to involve U.S. specialists in tourism in development of the Tajikistan tourism development program.

We will recall that the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the United States last month held a sector development event for hotels, guest houses and hostels on improving their services and increasing their competitiveness.  The seminar that was conducted at the Sheraton Hotel was attended by the representatives of managers and owners of 19 local hotels, guest houses and hostels.  The seminar was aimed at improving the services of local hospitality companies and increasing their competitiveness.

According to the EBRD Business Environment Report, tourism is considered to be one of the most promising industries for Tajikistan in the future.  The Pamir region and the Zarafshon Valley are the two main tourist destinations in Tajikistan.  The tourism industry in the country offers a wide range of products aimed at tourists, who frequently combine several types of activities during their stay.

Tajikistan is a new exciting tourism destination.  It is a mountainous country with a well-preserved nature and many lakes such as the Iskanderkul, the Haft Kul, the Sarez and others. The Pamir Highway and the Silk Road are known worldwide and, as part of the old and new Silk Road, Tajikistan has a unique cultural heritage.  Authentic, unexplored natural resources combined with the overwhelming hospitality of the Tajik people, the breath-taking Tajik mountains and landscapes are waiting to be explored.