DUSHANBE, 23.09.2025 (NIAT Khovar) – With the consistent support of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, and the guidance of the Speaker of the National Assembly, Chairman of Dushanbe Rustam Emomali, the Dushanbe International Tourism Exhibition (DITE) has developed into a major regional and international platform.

If the inaugural exhibition in 2024 marked the start of a new tradition of presenting the capital’s tourism potential, then DITE-2025, held from September 18 to 20 at the Dushanbe Expo Center, carried this process forward and concluded with remarkable results.

On the eve of World Tourism Day, Khovar correspondent Akramkhoja Akbar spoke with Dilshod Jamshed, Head of the Department for Tourism Development of the Executive Body of the State Authority of Dushanbe. Below is the full text of the interview.

– How would you assess the outcomes of the second Dushanbe International Tourism Exhibition?

– DITE-2025, which was organized on the initiative of the Executive Body of State Authority of Dushanbe with the support of the Committee for Tourism Development under the Government of Tajikistan by Somon Travel Company in partnership with a number of development partners, ended with highly satisfactory results. More than 200 companies, including 65 foreign ones from Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas, took part. Over 10,500 visitors attended during the three days. These figures confirm that the exhibition has truly reached an international level, and Dushanbe has been recognized as one of the key centers for showcasing tourism opportunities.

The event demonstrated that the capital of Tajikistan is fully capable of hosting large-scale events and attracting both international tourists and foreign investors. If the 2024 exhibition provided the first experience, this year it expanded to a new level and scale. Of course, these achievements were made possible thanks to the consistent implementation of the instructions of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, and the continued support of the Chairman of Dushanbe Rustam Emomali.

– How does this year’s attendance compare to 2024?

– The numbers speak for themselves: interest in the exhibition is growing year by year. Compared to 2024, visitor numbers increased by about 50 percent. This growth reflects both the high quality of organization and the strengthening reputation of DITE at home and abroad.

Today, the exhibition is steadily becoming a prominent regional and international platform for presenting tourism potential and attracting investment.

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– What is the significance of participation by 200 companies, including 65 foreign ones, for Dushanbe?

– It underscores Dushanbe’s stable position on the international tourism map. The participation of foreign companies not only expands economic ties and creates opportunities for investment, but also enhances international recognition.

It also lays the groundwork for long-term cooperation in various areas of tourism.

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– Which aspects of this year’s program attracted the greatest interest?

– The 2025 program stood out for its scale and diversity. Side sessions and master classes addressed key topics ranging from sustainable tourism development to digitalization.

The cultural program and the national cuisine festival also proved very popular. Visitors were introduced not only to the products and services of participating companies but also to Tajik culinary traditions and cultural heritage.

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– In your view, which part of the exhibition was the most impactful?

– Each segment had its own significance. As noted, alongside the professional sessions, the national cuisine festival drew particular interest. Tasting traditional dishes such as osh palov, fatirmaska and shirchoy, visitors experienced not only the flavors but also the spirit of Tajik hospitality.

Professionally, the side sessions and master classes provided opportunities for international exchange of experience. This blend of culture and professional dialogue gave DITE-2025 its unique character.

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– How effective were the B2B meetings?

– They were among the exhibition’s key elements. Companies had the opportunity to negotiate cooperation, and most meetings concluded with agreements and memoranda of intent. Foreign representatives expressed readiness to cooperate in organizing joint tours and marketing projects.

– To what extent can such events help attract foreign investment?

– They serve not only as platforms for presenting tourism opportunities but also as effective mechanisms for attracting investment. DITE-2025 confirmed the growing international interest in Tajikistan’s market. Foreign companies showed readiness to invest in priority areas such as eco-tourism, sports and cultural tourism.

During the exhibition, national festivals including Navruz, Tirgon, Mehrgon and Sada were promoted as national tourism brands. They drew significant attention from participants, and in the future, on the eve of these celebrations, joint initiatives between domestic and foreign companies will help attract tourists and guests to Dushanbe.

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– What are the exhibition’s priorities going forward?

– In 2026, with the support of the Executive Body of the State Authority of Dushanbe and the private sector, we plan to increase the number of participating companies and countries, introduce new priority areas such as eco-tourism, medical, cultural and sports tourism, and further expand the cultural and gastronomic components of the exhibition.

We will also broaden the use of digital platforms to enhance communication among participants and facilitate the promotion of their services.

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Ultimately, DITE is not just a business event. It is a comprehensive platform for domestic tourism development, foreign investment attraction, and the promotion of national culture and traditions. This strategic combination makes DITE an effective instrument for presenting Tajikistan on the international stage.

All of this clearly shows that step by step, Dushanbe is becoming one of the key tourism centers of Central Asia.