Ashgabat — Malaysia took part in the international tourism forum and exhibition “Turkmen Travel 2026,” held from April 14 to 16 in Ashgabat, presenting its tourism offerings to the Turkmen market.
According to a press release published by the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (Tourism Malaysia), the country participated in the event for the first time, marking a step toward strengthening its presence in Turkmenistan and expanding cooperation across Central Asia.
The exhibition, hosted at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan, brought together international and local stakeholders, including tour operators, airlines, hospitality providers, and industry experts. As noted in the release, the platform enabled participants to explore new partnerships and promote innovative tourism products.
Tourism Malaysia organized its pavilion in collaboration with local partners, highlighting Malaysia’s diverse travel experiences, cultural richness, and natural attractions. The participation was aligned with the “Visit Malaysia 2026” (VM2026) campaign, which aims to position the country as a leading global tourism destination.
Quoting the press release, Nor Shazly Azmi, Director of Tourism Malaysia Almaty, stated that Turkmenistan is becoming an increasingly important market in Central Asia. He noted that engagement through events such as “Turkmen Travel” helps build long-term partnerships and unlock new opportunities for cooperation.
The press release also highlighted growing tourism flows. In 2025, Malaysia welcomed more than 10,751 visitors from Turkmenistan, reflecting an increase of over 42.5 percent compared to the previous year. Overall arrivals from Central Asia exceeded 85,000, up by 13.4 percent year-on-year.
“Turkmen Travel 2026” featured a wide range of sectors, including cultural tourism, eco-tourism, and tourism technologies. According to Tourism Malaysia, participation in the exhibition contributed to strengthening regional dialogue, promoting Malaysia as a preferred destination, and fostering sustainable tourism development.
Tourism Malaysia, an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, is responsible for promoting the country’s tourism sector globally and enhancing its competitiveness in the international market.
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