On 9 January 2024, in Dubai, H.E. Ambassador Kubanychbek Omuraliev, Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), received the prestigious 2024 World Tourism Leader Award during the World Leaders Tourism Award Ceremony. The recognition celebrated the remarkable efforts to fostering collaboration among the Turkic States and advancing innovative tourism initiatives that have transformed the region’s global standing.
The award, first announced at the Global Tourism Forum Annual Meeting in Brussels, marked a significant milestone for both Ambassador Omuraliev and the OTS. The Turkic States have embraced a collective approach to tourism, developing sustainable, inclusive, and culturally rich projects that resonate on an international scale.
The efforts under OTS umberalla to revive the historical Silk Road have been particularly noteworthy. Through the Turkic Silk Road Project, travelers now explore a network of cultural and historical landmarks across member states, supported by a digital platform designed to enrich their journey. Similarly, the Tabarruk Ziyarat Project has united significant holy and spiritual sites into a cohesive tourism offering, strengthening cultural and spiritual ties in the region.
The OTS’s impact has not been limited to cultural tourism. In recent years, the organization has launched the Union of Turkic Ski Resorts, promoting winter tourism collaboration and harnessing the untapped potential of the region’s majestic landscapes. Another key initiative, the Turkic World Tourism Capital Program, has successfully elevated the cultural and economic profile of member cities, with Jalal-Abad, Kyrgyzstan, recently named as the 2025 Turkic World Tourism Capital.
Beyond these flagship projects, the OTS has championed eco-tourism and vocational training programs, equipping over 1,500 tourism professionals with the skills to deliver world-class service. These efforts have not only enhanced tourism standards but also fostered economic growth and cross-cultural understanding among member states.
The ceremony in Dubai highlighted the Turkic States' collective achievements in the global tourism arena. The award symbolized the OTS’s ability to unite diverse nations under a shared vision, transforming challenges into opportunities and cultural heritage into a dynamic tourism offering.
As the OTS looks to the future, it is poised to further expand its initiatives, including improving flight connectivity, developing a comprehensive Tourism Map of the Turkic World, and continuing to promote flagship projects like the Turkic Silk Road. OTS Secretary General Omuraliev’s recognition as the 2024 World Tourism Leader underscores the power of collaboration in shaping a brighter future for the Turkic region’s tourism industry.
