Comments on: Turkmenistan: Tourism versus tight security http://centralasia.foreignpolicyblogs.com/2007/05/24/turkmenistan-tourism-versus-tight-security/ The World Affairs Blog Network Sat, 07 Nov 2009 21:15:53 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7.1 hourly 1 By: Central Asia » Blog Archive » Destination: Turkmenistan’s vacation paradise http://centralasia.foreignpolicyblogs.com/2007/05/24/turkmenistan-tourism-versus-tight-security/comment-page-1/#comment-864 Central Asia » Blog Archive » Destination: Turkmenistan’s vacation paradise Tue, 24 Jul 2007 15:51:26 +0000 http://centralasia.foreignpolicyblogs.com/2007/05/24/turkmenistan-tourism-versus-tight-security/#comment-864 [...] 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.  [...] [...] 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.  [...]

]]> By: bboyd http://centralasia.foreignpolicyblogs.com/2007/05/24/turkmenistan-tourism-versus-tight-security/comment-page-1/#comment-535 bboyd Fri, 25 May 2007 21:24:48 +0000 http://centralasia.foreignpolicyblogs.com/2007/05/24/turkmenistan-tourism-versus-tight-security/#comment-535 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. 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.

]]> By: Joshua Foust http://centralasia.foreignpolicyblogs.com/2007/05/24/turkmenistan-tourism-versus-tight-security/comment-page-1/#comment-534 Joshua Foust Fri, 25 May 2007 15:29:27 +0000 http://centralasia.foreignpolicyblogs.com/2007/05/24/turkmenistan-tourism-versus-tight-security/#comment-534 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. 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.

]]> By: Afghanistanica http://centralasia.foreignpolicyblogs.com/2007/05/24/turkmenistan-tourism-versus-tight-security/comment-page-1/#comment-526 Afghanistanica Thu, 24 May 2007 19:57:42 +0000 http://centralasia.foreignpolicyblogs.com/2007/05/24/turkmenistan-tourism-versus-tight-security/#comment-526 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. 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.

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