Turkmenistan: Tourism versus tight security
President Berdymukhammedov plans to open a new economic free zone along the Caspian Sea that would welcome tourists to his country. The zone would center around the town of Turkmenbashi and be called “Avaza”.
Previously, Turkmenistan’s tourism efforts were hampered by its stringent security. The new tourism zone would cut down on the constant curbside inspection of visas and passports, making the travel experience more friendly.
The initiative was proposed by Mr. Berdymuhammedov on May 11 in Kazakhstan and enjoys both Russian and Kazakhstani support. The economic free zone would apply to materials for bringing infrastructure and development into the area in order to make Avaza more destination-worthy.
However, local travel agencies in Turkmenistan have declined in recent years, and the lack of changes in the security system and transparency of government relations to business have created significant perceived barriers to entry in this business, IWPR reports.
My two cents: While many tourists would appreciate five-star hotel service envisioned in the official Travel and Tourism notes (from the Embassy of Turkmenistan to the US), the real niche for tourism in the state, in my opinion, would require greater openness to eco-
touring and the experience of cultural and geographical diversity. This is usually obtained by staying in smaller hotels without a resort atmosphere, and allowing people to explore more on their own. Tourists of this type are more likely to brave the longer journey to Turkmenistan.
Which, against a recent backdrop of increased security, seems less likely. Border control regimes, including passport inspections, have increased in intensity this month.
Photos: BBC; Hotels Shopper; France, Diplomatie
May 24th, 2007 at 2:57 pm
I agree with your view on eco-tourism. There are plenty of seaside resorts with expensive hotels to visit elsewhere. But some of Turkmenistan’s nature preserves (a Soviet legacy of course) are truly unique. I’m thinking particularly of the mountain and plateau preserves. I was surprised and amazed when I was shown a video of Turkmen nature preserves by a Russian geographer.
As my family has made its living off skiers and mountain climbers I’m quite familiar with the high end eco-tourism business and I’m sure Turkmenistan could do nicely in this niche. Of course, it would need to allow European tour companies to run most of the business early on.
Whenever the nature preserves become easy to visit (and when I have the money) I will be there.
May 25th, 2007 at 10:29 am
I agree. I very much want to visit Turkmenistan, but right now it’s so onerous and expensive, it’s not been worth the trouble.
May 25th, 2007 at 4:24 pm
Yes, and when I go, I want to talk to people and take pictures, both of which are a frightening prospect in a state where one’s credentials are checked more than once a day.
I keep remembering James Michener’s account of visiting China with Nixon, and how pleased he was at the great service and impeccable manners. It came out later that everyone involved was scared to death that they would do the wrong thing. That is not comfortable for anyone.
July 24th, 2007 at 10:51 am
[…] This idea first surfaced in May of this year, and developed further after a meeting between Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan. At the time, I wondered who would come on shaky airlines as far as the Caspian, but I failed to take into account the many who might visit from more local venues: oilfield and diplomatic personnel from all over stationed near the Caspian; vacationers from Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Tehran, and Georgia. So I am inclined to think that this is a great idea. […]