The Travel Hub “Sodruzhestvo" (Commonwealth) International Forum took place in Dushanbe on October 19.  The theme for this year is "New Stage of Cooperation of the CIS Member States in the Sphere of Tourism". 

Khovar news agency reports that organized by the Secretariat of the CIS Inter-parliamentary Assembly (IPA CIS) as part of the Travel Hub Sodruzhestvo project and the Committee for Tourism Development of Tajikistan, the event brought together representatives of tourism-related ministries, parliaments, business communities, association leaders, and industry experts from CIS member countries.

The event participants reportedly discussed pressing industry issues, including staffing shortages in tourism and hospitality, and fostering international cooperation.  The main presentations focused on current trends in the tourism sector of CIS countries and model legislation, with discussions on creating a unified tourist space within the CIS.

On October 20, forum delegates attended the national harvest festival, Mehrgon, which symbolizes the completion of the harvest and embodies love and kindness.  The main festivities took place in Dushanbe’s Firdavsi Park, where culinary surprises awaited them.  

The Travel Hub “Sodruzhestvo" project was launched in 2019 to unite all actors in the CIS tourism industry. The theme for 2023 is tourism in the mountainous regions of the CIS Member States.