DUSHANBE, May 31, Asia-Plus – Although Tajikistan has world-class mountains and a lot to see for cultural tourists, it is still not so attractive for foreign tourists.
According to the youth, sports, and tourism committee under the Tajik government, only 3,000 foreign tourists have visited Tajikistan over the first three months of 2007.
Last year, 29,700 tourists visited the country, which is 15,000 more than in 2005. In the meantime, 14,500 Tajik nationals, including pilgrims, visited other countries in 2006.
According to survey conducted by Russia’s news agency RosBusinesKonsulting (Russian Business Consulting or RBK), Russia tourists are also less likely to go to Tajikistan. Of those 11,000 surveyed, only 5.3% said that they would like to visit Tajikistan.
The sports, youth and tourism committee says that Russian tourists are arriving in Tajikistan mostly for having rest at the so-called Tajik Sea (reservoir of the Qiaroqqum power plant in northern Tajikistan).
Tourism could make considerable contribution to the country’s GDP and generate its foreign incomes. Local experts say that Tajikistan ought to make it easy for mountain climbers, as well as nature and cultural tourists to choose Tajikistan. According to them, government’s resolution of March 31, 2006 easing visa requirements for citizens of 68 countries will promote development of tourism and relevant industries in the country. We will recall that the resolution allows citizens of those countries to obtain 45-day visas within three days.
Tour groups should be encouraged to see Tajikistan’s sights. At present some 70 tourist companies operate in Tajikistan, according to the youth, sports and tourism committee.
