Azernews.Az

The first-ever International Tourism Congress of Turkmenistan will be held at the national tourism zone of Avaza in September 2013.

The Turkmen dovlet habaralary (TDH) reported that the event will brought together managers and leading specialists of national tourist agencies of different countries, investors and analysts of the international tourist industry market and representatives of foreign businesses.

The tourism industry has a special place in Turkmenistan's strategic plans. An example is the Avaza resort, the country's first free economic zone, granting tax and customs privileges to investors, firms and companies.

Turkmenistan has announced a number of international tenders for the construction of venues and facilities at the site. According to official figures, Turkmenistan's investments already amount to over $1.5 billion.

A new airport, power station, desalination and water treatment plants have already been built and a number of spa facilities are regularly put into operation mainly by Turkish companies.

The second stage of construction work in Avaza provides for construction of a water park, yacht club, aquarium, indoor ski complex, cycle track and casino.

The Great Silk Road passes through Turkmenistan. The country is rich in folk culture, has various natural landscapes, unique archaeological sites, including Ancient Nisa, Merv and Kunyaurgench as well as Gonurdepe, the centre of the Margiana civilisation and the ancient Dekhistan was added to the list of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage.

The foothills of the Kopet Dagh, flora and fauna of the Karakum desert, the coast of the Amu Darya, Koytendag and sub-tropical areas of South-West Turkmenistan are a godsend for lovers of ecological tourism.