First International Open Forum on Expanding Cross-Border Tourism

On 7 December, 2023, the First International Open Forum: “OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPANDING THE GEOGRAPHY OF CROSS-BORDER TOURIST TRAVEL WITHIN THE TERRITORIES OF THE SHANGHAI COOPERATION ORGANIZATION (SCO) MEMBER COUNTRIES” successfully opened the series of events dedicated to cooperation of SCO countries, the Silk Road countries and guest countries in the sphere of tourism, forming the integrated approach with the main blocks of the industry problems.

With support of the Secretariat of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, the Organizers of the Forum: “World Tourism Alliance” (WTA), Travel Association “World Without Borders”, Silk Road International University of Tourism in Samarkand has provided a useful tool to keep up the opinions exchange on tourism development for travel businesses, travel associations, and professionals in the sphere. The Forum was held in a hybrid format with the open studios in Moscow, Beijing, and Samarkand and the forum’s broadcast was available online on the World Travel Chat platform, provided by the Operator of the Forum «Silk Road Operations Center».

The Forum has discussed several up-to-date topics on how sustainable tourism can bring significant economic benefits to local communities and regions, promoting their sustainable development and prosperity, the development of ski resorts in SCO countries, the promotion and enhancement of year-round mountain tourism for all categories of citizens, the implementation of service and quality standards within the SCO space, the experience of working with local residents and the unique mountain routes of SCO countries, human resources for the tourism industry, its modern challenges and opportunities within the SCO framework.

The recording of the Forum is available on the link, please visit it to learn more.