OSCE Centre organizes workshop on community-based tourism in Turkmenistan

ASHGABAD, 10 September 2008 - Creating new market opportunities for local entrepreneurs by developing their tourism-related skills was the objective of an OSCE Centre-supported workshop that ends today in the south-eastern city of Mary.

Organized by a private enterprise, in co-operation with the OSCE Centre in Ashgabad and Mary authorities, the three-day workshop brought together 15 home owners who could provide rural guesthouse services to domestic and foreign tourists.

"We hope this project will contribute to the development of small- and medium-sized business in Turkmenistan and will provide local entrepreneurs with new opportunities to generate income," said Ambassador Ibrahim Djikic, Head of the OSCE Centre.

The workshop examined the concept of community-based tourism and the rural tourism industry. It also looked at how to attract visitors and how to cater to their needs. In addition, participants discussed the sociology of tourism, tourism planning, research and marketing.

The workshop was part of the Centre's support for the development of community-based tourism.