Excellencies, Ministers, distinguished guests,
It is a great pleasure to address you today at the first Central Asia–EU Tourism Forum. I only regret that I cannot be with you in person in stunning Tashkent. Tourism is much more than an industry. It drives local growth, supports small businesses, and strengthens communities. And when managed sustainably, it becomes a powerful instrument for regional cooperation, and even for peace.
Central Asia has everything it takes to become a world-class destination: its exceptional architecture and historic monuments, its breathtaking landscapes, and the unique spirit of the Silk Road, which continues to inspire travellers around the world. But to make the most of this enormous potential, I would strongly encourage deeper regional cooperation. By working together, you can ease travel and visa procedures, strengthen connectivity, improve service quality, and shape a shared regional brand that attracts visitors from across the globe. Europe’s own experience shows what neighbours can achieve when they choose to collaborate: simplified travel, coordinated marketing, and trusted quality standards have helped make Europe the world’s most visited region, with more than 750 million international tourist arrivals every year.
These lessons can help inform Central Asia’s own path. You do not need to replicate Europe, you have your own, powerful selling points. But perhaps our approach can offer inspiration. The European Union stands ready to support you as you plan for the future. We are always happy to share what we have learned on sustainable transport links and on initiatives that allow destinations to grow responsibly, while preserving their authenticity. At the same time, we are working on the first ever European strategy for tourism, and your experience can also inspire us. Tourism today is a global conversation, and we have much to learn from one another.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Transport and tourism must work hand in hand, and I am proud to be the first European Commissioner with responsibility for both sectors. Tourism can become one of the most visible and meaningful bridges between Europe and Central Asia. Let this Forum be the beginning of that journey.
Thank you.
