OREANDA-NEWS. April 16, 2014. The first meeting of the ministers of the Turkic Council member states responsible for the development of the tourism industry was held in Istanbul.

Following the meeting, a protocol on joint cooperation in the sphere of tourism of the Turkic Council member states was signed.

In the framework of the Protocol, the parties agreed:

1) to maintain close cooperation among public organs, private sector and public institutions involved in the tourism sector;

2) to stimulate tourism initiatives aimed at the development of tourism infrastructure and related facilities of travel and tourism, and to support the preparation of the necessary soil to facilitate travel between the member states of the Turkic Council;

3) to encourage member states in organization of joint activities at tourist fairs and exhibitions;

4) to promote exchange of information , professional knowledge and experience in the field of tourism through the organization of seminars, conferences and training sessions for the staff employed in the tourism sector;

5) to support joint marketing of locations visited by tourists through joint tourist products on the following topics: history, culture, ethnic culture, environment, sports, etc.;

6) to enhance cooperation among the member-states to reconstruct the historical Silk Road as a more attractive destination for visitors and most recognizable tourist brand.

As Chairman of the Tourism Industry Committee Marat Igaliyev the Turkic Council supported holding of a panel session at the Astana Economic Forum dedicated to the development of the tourist corridor on the Silk Road in May, 2014. Another important decision of the Istanbul meeting was a proposal to create a single body among representatives of tourism associations of the Turkic Council member states.