Today, the International Dushanbe Forum entitled “Integration of Cities in Realizing Sustainable Tourism Opportunities” was held in the capital of the country, reports the NIAT “Khovar”.
The forum was organized with the aim of strengthening inter-city cooperation, developing sustainable tourism, promoting the tourism opportunities of Tajikistan and the city of Dushanbe, attracting investment to the tourism sector, developing tourism infrastructure, and exchanging best practices. Representatives of sister cities and partner cities, international organizations, the diplomatic corps, and the World Tourism Cities Federation took part in the forum.
First Deputy Mayor of Dushanbe Bakhtiyor Sharifi noted that the development of tourism in the Republic of Tajikistan has today become one of the important areas of the country’s economic and social policy. The consistent attention and comprehensive support of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Leader of the Nation, Honorable Emomali Rahmon, play an important role in creating favorable conditions for the development of tourism infrastructure, promoting the country’s natural, historical and cultural potential, and attracting more tourists.
“The city of Dushanbe, as the capital of the country and the political, economic, cultural and tourism center of Tajikistan, plays an important role in achieving these goals. Through the constructive initiatives of the Chairman of Dushanbe, Honorable Rustam Emomali, it has become a suitable platform for the development of urban tourism and the organization of international sectoral events. It is precisely in this context that we have gathered today in Dushanbe to discuss an important topic — ‘Integration of Cities in Realizing Sustainable Tourism Opportunities,’” Bakhtiyor Sharifi added.
It was noted that in recent years, Dushanbe, relying on a constructive and development-oriented policy and the consistent initiatives of the Chairman of Dushanbe, Honorable Rustam Emomali, has been experiencing a new stage of urban development and infrastructure growth. Today, Dushanbe is not only the political and administrative center of the country, but also one of the important cultural, tourism, economic and international centers of Tajikistan.
It was emphasized that the development of modern architecture, construction of cultural complexes, parks and public gardens, modern hotels, service centers, sports facilities, roads and modern urban infrastructure have created favorable conditions for residents and visitors. Currently, 54 hotels of various categories operate in the capital, while 12,800 passenger and taxi vehicles provide services to residents, guests and tourists. Dushanbe also has 13 museums, 17 libraries, 23 historical and cultural monuments, 61 parks and public gardens, including 17 modern parks, as well as hundreds of sports facilities and children’s playgrounds. Taken together, these facilities create a favorable urban environment for the development of tourism and recreation.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan Sanoi Boyzoda stated that cooperation between Dushanbe and its sister cities has strengthened diplomatic relations and created new ties for the development of economic, cultural, tourism, scientific and humanitarian cooperation. Today, Dushanbe is not only the capital of Tajikistan, but also a platform for constructive dialogue and international cooperation in addressing pressing global issues.
Deputy Chairman of the Committee for Tourism Development under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan Ziyodullo Salimzoda noted that more than 35 cooperation documents have so far been signed between Tajikistan and foreign countries in the tourism sector. These documents provide a favorable foundation for strengthening interagency relations, exchanging experience, developing business cooperation and implementing common goals in tourism.
“Today, tourism is an important factor in the socio-economic development of the country, an effective means of fostering civic responsibility and patriotism among young people, and of reviving and popularizing historical and cultural heritage. The Republic of Tajikistan, as a country with unique nature and mountains, large glaciers, numerous rivers, mineral, healing and freshwater resources, and an ancient and distinctive culture, continues to attract the attention of people around the world. That is why more than 1.8 million tourists visited the Republic of Tajikistan in 2025,” Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Trade of the Republic of Tajikistan Ahliddin Nurridinzoda said at the forum.
The forum addressed issues related to the role of tourism resources in sustainable economic development, the effective development of cultural tourism, attracting investment to the tourism sector, the digital economy and the formation of a modern ecosystem of tourism services, as well as opportunities and prospects for tourism development in the regions.
At the same time, participants discussed the integration of cities in the region as a factor in sustainable tourism development, the development of inter-city cooperation in creating unified tourist routes, regional tourism as a factor of economic integration, the role of cities in tourism development, and investment opportunities for the development of tourism infrastructure.
During the forum, specific proposals were presented on the effective use of urban potential for sustainable tourism development, expanding regional and inter-city cooperation, creating joint tourist routes, developing digital services, improving service quality, and creating favorable conditions for attracting investment.
It was emphasized that, amid the rapid development of the tourism sector, close cooperation among cities, government bodies, the private sector and international partners is of great importance for developing competitive tourism products, expanding infrastructure and attracting more tourists.
It should be noted that, as part of the forum, the Dushanbe International Tourism Exhibition-2026 (“Dushanbe International Tourism Exhibition-2026”) is being held from September 24 to 26.
The exhibition showcases the tourism opportunities of Tajikistan, particularly the city of Dushanbe, as well as products and services of domestic and foreign tourism companies, hotels, restaurants, airlines and transport companies, cultural and historical institutions, traditional handicrafts and other tourism-sector entities.
The exhibition will continue until September 26. As part of the event, master classes on improving service quality are being held for representatives of tourism companies, tour guides, hotels and restaurants.
In addition, during an evening tour, foreign guests and event participants will become acquainted with the tourism opportunities of Dushanbe and visit the capital’s tourist attractions.
It should be noted that such events provide a favorable platform for exchanging experience, discussing new opportunities for cooperation and exploring joint ways to develop sustainable tourism.
