Tourism - The Times Of Central Asia

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Khiva Readies for Melon Festival: A Celebration of Heritage and Harvest

Khiva, the ancient Silk Road city in Uzbekistan’s Khorezm region, will host the traditional Melon Festival, or “Qovun sayli,” from August 8–10. The celebration will be held across the historic Itchan-Kala complex and the Arda Khiva cultural space. Organized by the State Tourism Committee and the Khorezm khokimiyat (local government), the festival promotes regional identity and agritourism by highlighting Khorezm’s famed melons. Farmers from across the region will exhibit scores of different melon varieties — around 125 types were showcased last year — in pavilions decorated with traditional designs. More than a fruit fair, the festival offers puppet shows, folk music, national costume displays, and culinary exhibitions, including Khorezm bread and other regional dishes. Artisans will host workshops on handicrafts such as silk weaving and pottery, giving visitors hands-on exposure to Uzbek heritage and traditions. Evening gala concerts featuring local and international performers will take place on August 8–9 in the Itchan-Kala and conclude on August 10 in Arda Khiva. [caption id="attachment_33945" align="aligncenter" width="2224"] Image: TCA, Stephen M. Bland[/caption] Qovun sayli will also have a competitive edge, with awards sponsored by the regional khokimiyat and private sponsors recognizing standout agronomists, artisans, and performers. [caption id="attachment_33947" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Image: TCA, Stephen M. Bland[/caption] Melons occupy a special place in Uzbek tradition. Over 150 varieties are grown nationwide, many prized for their sweetness and storied past. In Khorezm, melons are more than food — they are cultural icons. Ancient Uzbek kingdoms would send the fruit as gifts by camel caravan to Baghdad, and to the Russian tsars and Mughal emperors. Writing in 1876, British colonel and explorer Frederick Burnaby noted that the “taste was so delicious that anyone only accustomed to this fruit in Europe would scarcely recognize its relationship with the delicate and highly perfumed melons of Khiva.” The festival has become a cornerstone of Khiva’s cultural calendar, attracting approximately 30,000 foreign and 400,000 domestic visitors in 2024 alone. Tourism officials view Qovun sayli as essential to boosting regional visibility and economic growth, with Khiva’s festivals, including the Lazgi International Dance Festival, a key part of Uzbekistan’s broader push to spotlight cultural tourism.

Tourism COVID-19 visas International Visitors

Turkmenistan Still Requires COVID Tests and Visas for All Visitors

Turkmenistan continues to enforce some of the strictest entry requirements in the world, including COVID-19 testing and complex visa procedures. According to a recent report by The Telegraph, all international arrivals are still subject to a mandatory PCR test at Ashgabat International Airport, despite the global rollback of pandemic-era measures. The nasal swab test, which costs approximately US$31, remains a compulsory step for entry, even though proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not required. All foreign nationals must also obtain a visa and an official invitation letter before travel. For tourists, this invitation must come from a licensed Turkmen travel agency. Business travelers need a letter from the host organization, whether a private company or a government ministry. Applicants must then submit their visa request, along with the invitation, to a Turkmen embassy. Processing can take up to a month unless expedited service is requested, available for approximately US$150 for a 24-hour turnaround. Travelers holding a certified invitation may be eligible for a visa on arrival at Ashgabat airport, but they must present the invitation letter upon entry. Without proper documentation, visitors risk being detained at the airport and denied entry. Even transit passengers are subject to the same strict requirements, including a visa and invitation letter. A special short-term transit visa, valid for stays under five days, is available in limited cases. In addition, anyone staying in Turkmenistan for more than three days must register with the State Migration Service within 72 hours of arrival. All foreign guests must also pay mandatory entry fees: a US$14 “migration fee” and a tourism tax of roughly US$2 per day. A potential shift is on the horizon. In April 2025, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov approved legislation introducing an electronic visa system. Once implemented, travelers will be able to complete a simplified online application process without the need for the traditional invitation letter. Authorities say the e-visa initiative is designed to streamline travel and boost tourism. Until the new system is in place, however, Turkmenistan remains a tightly controlled destination with elaborate entry requirements and limited flexibility for international visitors.

Tourism China Tourism Development Year of China Tourism in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan Launches 2025 Year of China Tourism

On June 16, Astana hosted the official launch of the Year of China Tourism in Kazakhstan. The opening ceremony was attended by Kazakh Minister of Tourism and Sports Yerbol Myrzabosynov and Chinese Minister of Culture and Tourism Sun Yeli, underscoring the growing cultural and economic ties between the two countries. Minister Myrzabosynov emphasized that tourism has become a vital bridge in strengthening people-to-people connections between Kazakhstan and China. The 2025 initiative follows the success of the Year of Kazakhstan Tourism in China in 2024, declared by Presidents Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Xi Jinping as part of ongoing bilateral cooperation. A centerpiece of this year’s initiative is the implementation of the Welcome Chinese program, which aims to tailor Kazakhstan’s hospitality and tourism services to meet the needs of Chinese visitors. The program includes efforts to improve language accessibility, offer Chinese-style amenities in hotels, and develop guided tours designed specifically for Chinese tourists. According to the Kazakh Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Year of Kazakhstan Tourism in China yielded significant results. In 2024, Kazakhstan welcomed 655,000 tourists from China, a 78% increase compared to 367,000 in 2023. The surge in travel was further supported by the mutual visa-free regime introduced in November 2023. Under this agreement, citizens of both countries can travel visa-free for up to 30 days per visit, with a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. The visa exemption applies to tourism, medical visits, business travel, and transit. Officials expect that the Year of China Tourism in Kazakhstan will not only boost inbound travel from China but also deepen economic, cultural, and diplomatic cooperation between the two nations.

Culture Tourism Mongolia CAMCA Forum

Kazakh Nomads and Authentic Tourism: Interview with Mongolia’s Cultural Envoy Dr. Gantemur Damba at CAMCA

This week The Times of Central Asia will be attending the CAMCA Regional Forum, which this year is being held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The CAMCA network is a collection of professionals and policymakers dedicated to sharing ideas, knowledge and inspiration to develop the Eurasia region; its name stands for Central Asia, Mongolia, the Caucasus and Afghanistan. Ahead of the Forum, The Times of Central Asia spoke with Mongolia’s Cultural Envoy, and the Vice Chair of the Asian Ecotourism Network, Dr. Gantumur Damba, about the country's Kazakh nomads, and what the CAMCA program means for Mongolian culture and tourism. TCA: Central Asia is geographically quite close to Mongolia, but Mongolia's culture is distinct. What parts of Mongolian life do you think make journeys here unique for visitors? GD: Indeed. While Mongolia has some cultural similarities with Central Asia due to historical links, it has developed its own distinct identity. We are a unique culture with influences from Buddhism, shamanism and animism in our pastoralist herder’s way of life. Eastern Mongolia is rich in historical sites, including Deluun Boldog, where Genghis Khan was born, and the historical ruins of 13th and 14th-century towns. Central Mongolia is centered on the ancient town of Kharkhorum – with UNESCO-inscribed intangible cultural events – and the beautiful Orkhon Valley. This region is also enriched by Mongolian Buddhist traditions and architectural sites. North Mongolia is the home of nomadic reindeer herders, who have strong shamanistic beliefs. They are one of the last groups in the world to still herd reindeer as their primary way of life. Mongolia's largest ethnic minority are Kazakhs, who live in the country's western regions. What opportunities do visitors to Mongolia have to discover the Mongolian Kazakh way of life? The Kazakhs of Mongolia have distinct cultural practices, and live mainly in western Mongolia, particularly in Bayan-Ölgii province. While they share a common heritage with Kazakhs in Kazakhstan and other Central Asian nations, their experience in Mongolia is shaped by their minority status and the influence of Mongolian culture and Buddhism, alongside their own Turkic language and Islamic traditions. Activities like eagle hunting demonstration events, trekking in the Altai Mountains, and exploring authentic nomadic life offer unique travel experiences. Travelers can experience authentic nomad Kazakh culture through homestays, participating in festivals, and witnessing traditional crafts, traditional music, epic storytelling and vibrant dances like the eagle dance. What places and activities in Mongolia do you most recommend to foreign visitors? Are you working on any new destinations? Mongolia offers a high degree of freedom and flexibility for travelers, especially when it comes to camping and exploring the vast landscapes. There are relatively few restrictions on where you can go and camp, and you can often choose your own route and pace. However, choosing the right travel partner is vital. I categorize our destinations according to three “Ms”. The first M stands for modified places – basically those that are spoiled. That includes Terelj, Kharkhorum and West Khuvsgul Lake, where you will find many resorts,...

Tourism International Visitors QR Code System Kazakhstan airports

Kazakhstan Launches QR Code System for Foreign Visitors at Airports

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports, in collaboration with local authorities, has implemented a new QR code system at all international airports across the country. The initiative, announced by Minister of Tourism and Sports Yerbol Myrzabosynov, is designed to enhance the travel experience for foreign visitors by providing easy access to essential services. According to the Ministry, the QR codes grant immediate access to: Electronic SIM card services; Licensed taxi operators; Online hotel booking platforms; Information regarding the registration of foreign citizens; Details on major tourist attractions. The primary goal of the system is to reduce the risk of fraud targeting tourists, particularly in areas such as transportation, mobile communications, and currency exchange, and to improve service quality throughout a visitor’s stay. In 2024, Kazakhstan welcomed 15.3 million foreign nationals, of whom 10.4 million spent more than a day in the country and were officially classified as tourists. The new digital system is part of broader efforts to create a safer, more convenient environment for international travelers, reinforcing Kazakhstan’s image as a tourist-friendly destination. Kazakhstan currently offers visa-free entry to citizens of 87 countries, and an electronic visa application system is available to nationals of 107 countries.

Tourism Environmental Management of Issyk-Kul Sewage System Asian Development Bank Construction

Cholpon-Ata Launches First-Ever Centralized Sewage System Project

In a significant move toward sustainable tourism and environmental protection, Kyrgyz Minister of Construction Nurdan Oruntaev signed an agreement with firms from China, Turkey, and Uzbekistan to build treatment facilities, pump stations, and sewer collectors in Cholpon-Ata, a city on the northern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. The project is being financed by the Asian Development Bank as part of the national “Environmental Management of Issyk-Kul” program. It aims to improve ecological conditions and support sustainable tourism development by establishing a unified sewage system for Cholpon-Ata and nearby settlements, including Bosteri, Kara-Oi, and Baktuu-Dolonotu. “The project aims to ensure balanced economic development with a focus on innovation and environmentally friendly technologies. Its key objective is to preserve the unique ecosystem of the lake,” the Ministry of Construction stated. Environmental Measures Ahead of Tourist Season Ahead of the 2025 tourist season, the Environmental and Technical Supervision Service has announced that resorts without sewage treatment facilities will be barred from operating during the summer months. “With the start of the season, the load on the lake's ecosystem increases dramatically, all sanatoriums and holiday homes begin operating, and the number of tourists surges. Issyk-Kul is a closed ecosystem and designated biosphere reserve that requires special protection. According to a presidential decree, facilities in the recreational zone without treatment infrastructure are prohibited from operating,” explained Kych Tentimishov, head of the regional department for environmental and technical supervision at the Ministry of Natural Resources. Current Sanitation Status According to ministry data, there are currently 1,127 accommodation facilities operating around Lake Issyk-Kul, including resorts, sanatoriums, and holiday homes. Of these, only 185 have their own sewage treatment systems, and another 208 are connected to a centralized system. The remaining facilities rely on septic tanks. Authorities are currently conducting inspections to ensure all facilities meet environmental standards, as part of a broader initiative to safeguard one of Kyrgyzstan’s most treasured natural landmarks.