KHUJAND — On April 16, 2026, the "Sughdiyon" Palace of Culture hosted the 3rd International Tourism Forum titled "Sughd — Crossroads of the Great Silk Road." The event saw extensive participation from both domestic and international delegates.
Initiated by the Executive Body of State Authority of the Sughd Region, the forum aimed to advance the tourism industry, showcase the rich tourism potential of the Republic of Tajikistan, and strengthen international cooperation.
The forum brought together more than 500 participants, including tourism sector leaders, investors, industry experts, and government officials from 9 countries, including:
Russia (including Tatarstan), Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Iran, and Belarus, as well as representatives from various regions of Tajikistan.
The forum served as a platform to address critical issues for the sustainable growth of the sector, such as:
Competitive Product Development: Creating attractive and high-quality tourism packages.
Investment & Infrastructure: Attracting capital and modernizing facilities.
Digitalization: Implementing digital solutions for hospitality and travel services.
Regional Connectivity: Strengthening interregional ties along the historic Silk Road.
In his keynote address, Ziyodullo Salimzoda, Deputy Chairman of the Tourism Development Committee, emphasized the significance of such events for the stable development of the industry and the international promotion of the country’s landmarks. He reaffirmed Tajikistan's readiness to expand mutually beneficial partnerships with foreign stakeholders.
Participants noted that the Sughd Region, as a historical and cultural heart of the country and a vital segment of the Silk Road, possesses immense resources to become a major international hub for travelers.
At the close of the forum, the parties expressed their commitment to further cooperation, the development of joint projects, and the sustainable growth of the tourism sphere. They highly praised the importance of such international dialogue platforms in fostering regional integration.