DUSHANBE, 26.02.2019. (NIAT Khovar) – The tourism sector in Tajikistan has been steadily developing. According to regional and international estimates, the country’s rating in this industry is gradually increasing. Coverage and promotion of achievements in the field of tourism, attractive historical and cultural places, unique landscapes, beautiful nature of Tajikistan at regional international news agencies points at the development and expansion of tourism along with other sectors in since the country’s independence.

Foreign news agencies, such as TASS, UzA and Kabar have focused on the development of tourism and the unique scenery of Tajikistan. Tajikistan, they say, is a country with a huge tourism potential.

“One of the most popular tourist activities in Tajikistan is alpinism. Alpinists come to Tajikistan to conquer the peak of Ismoil Somoni (7495 meters), which is the highest in the territory of the former Soviet Union. In the sphere of ecological tourism, the Fann Mountains, Iskandarkul Lake, Fedchenko Glacier, monuments Sarazm, Hissor Fortress, and the 3000 historical and cultural monuments are of the greatest tourist attractions,” reported TASS.

Since the President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon had declared 2018 the Year of Tourism and Folk Crafts Development, more than 150,000 Russian tourists visited Tajikistan in 2018, reported TASS.

“Tajikistan is the land with the highest peaks, powerful glaciers, rapid turbulent rivers, beautiful lakes, unique vegetation and rare animals. The mountains and the landscape render Tajikistan truly original and unique. The richness and diversity of its nature resulting from the differing climatic zones makes Tajikistan truly amazing. In an hour and a half of flight from the sultry heat of the Vakhsh valley one can get into the arctic cold of the eternal snows of the Pamir. In the territory of Tajikistan there stand the majestic Pamir mountains with absolute heights reaching 7495 meters above sea level, and known worldwide as the “roof of the world,” reported Kabar.

In 2018, the number of foreign tourists visiting Tajikistan increased by 2.6 times. In 2017, over 430,000 tourists visited the country, and in 2018, over 1 million.

UzA in an article called stated that “there are about 200 sources of healing mineral and thermal waters in the territory of Tajikistan, due to the presence of which resorts geared toward tourists is developing. The most well-known resorts and sanatoriums are Khoja Obi Garm, Shohambari, Obi Garm, Zumrad and Havatag. The health centers and resorts in Tajikistan offer services for the treatment of various illnesses, such as cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal, urinary, the gastrointestinal, liver and skin diseases.

Tajikistan’s tourism sector is developing rapidly. The country’s government adopted a Strategy for the Tourism Development until 2030. Every year the level of service at airports, checkpoints and tourism services is increased, and thr procedure for obtaining visas and registration has been simplified.

“Along with these three state news agencies, the Korean KBS TV broadcasted a video showcasing attractive landscapes of Tajikistan,” said an official of the Tajik Committee for Tourism Development.

KBS also showed the tourist destinations of Dushanbe, the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO), as well as other attractive places in Tajikistan.

“For two days we visited various regions of Tajikistan, in particular, GBAO, Sughd and Khatlon provinces, Varzob district and the city of Hissor. We visited the Panjshanbe bazaar (local market) and the Kamol Khujandi Museum in Sughd. In the museum, we got acquainted with the history of the founders of the Tajik statehood of 8th and 9th centuries, from the era of Ismail Somoni to modern times, as well as with the history of the Great Silk Road. Indeed, the Tajik people have a rich history and culture. In GBAO, we talked with several foreign tourists who shared their impressions about the great tourist destinations in Tajikistan. Along with this, we still have indelible impressions of the beautiful landscapes, delicious dishes, fountains and squares of Dushanbe,” noted one of the film directors.

The Russian NTV channel filmed its well-known TV program Let’s Go and Eat  in Tajikistan. The broadcasted show was watched by about 4 million people.

This program introduces the audience to the delicious Tajik national cuisine, such as pilaf, kurotob, shakarob, hot Tajik cakes, as well as juicy fruits, folk crafts, in particular wood carving, stone carving and other national traditions.

Currently, the interest of mass media of various countries in tourist destinations of Tajikistan is growing. This contributes to the representation of the country in the international arena and greater attraction of tourists to the region.

As a result of the implementation of the “open door” policy by the President Emomali Rahmon, the tourism potential of Tajikistan is being widely promoted in the foreign media. Tajikistan firmly holds the position of a steadily developing country possessing vast tourism opportunities.