Ashgabat — The Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (Tourism Malaysia) participated for the first time in the international tourism forum and exhibition “Turkmen Travel 2026,” held in Ashgabat from April 14 to 16. The event took place at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan and brought together representatives of both international and local tourism industries.

The exhibition gathered tour operators, airlines, hospitality providers, and other industry professionals, creating a broad platform for strengthening cooperation and exploring new opportunities. Tourism Malaysia organized its pavilion in collaboration with local partners, introducing Malaysia’s diverse tourism offerings to the Turkmen market.

This participation was carried out within the framework of the “Visit Malaysia 2026” (VM2026) campaign. The initiative aims to position Malaysia as a leading global travel destination by promoting its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and unique travel experiences.

In his remarks, Nor Shazly Azmi, Director of Tourism Malaysia Almaty, noted that Turkmenistan has become an increasingly important market in Central Asia. According to him, participation in the exhibition helped strengthen ties with local partners and opened new opportunities for cooperation.

According to available data, more than 10,751 tourists from Turkmenistan visited Malaysia in 2025, representing an increase of over 42.5 percent compared to the previous year. In addition, total arrivals from Central Asia exceeded 85,000, marking a 13.4 percent growth compared to 2024.

The “Turkmen Travel 2026” exhibition featured a wide range of areas, including cultural tourism, eco-tourism, and tourism technologies. Through its participation, Tourism Malaysia not only showcased its offerings but also expressed its intention to promote knowledge exchange and develop long-term regional partnerships.

About Tourism Malaysia:
Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board is a government agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia. It promotes the country’s tourism potential globally and contributes to strengthening its competitiveness in the international market. The “Visit Malaysia 2026” campaign is aimed at highlighting the nation’s natural and cultural assets while supporting sustainable development and long-term economic growth through tourism.

Official website: www.tourism.gov.my