Translated with AI
Tajikistan's tourism opportunities, as well as the role of journalists and bloggers in promoting the country's tourism potential, were presented by participants from Tajikistan at the All-Russian scientific and practical conference with international participation, "Digital Media Practices and Blogging in the Construction of Tourism Representations," which took place at Melitopol State University, according to the press service of the CIS Executive Committee.
Representatives from Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Morocco and other countries took part in the conference.
Participants discussed the development of art journalism in a digital society, the opportunities and risks of generative artificial intelligence in representing cultural codes, the social architecture of digital tourism representations, the transformation of tourism discourse in the context of digitalization, neural network media content in tourism, and media blogging as a tool for promoting tourist destinations.
Tajikistan representatives noted that the country has significant tourism potential. Mountains cover approximately 93 percent of the country's territory, including peaks over 7,000 meters above sea level. Furthermore, 22 percent of the territory is designated as specially protected natural areas. The country boasts historical and cultural monuments, unique natural sites, and therapeutic and health resources.
According to the data provided, in 2005, only 18 travel agencies were registered in Tajikistan, and the number of foreign tourists was approximately 200,000. By 2009, the number of travel agencies had increased to 154, and the number of tourists exceeded 442,000.
As noted during the conference, the number of foreign tourists in Tajikistan will reach 1.8 million in 2025, representing a nearly 35 percent increase compared to 2024. According to the event participants, these figures demonstrate the government's increasing attention to the development of the tourism industry.
The country has adopted the Law on Tourism Development and is implementing the Tourism Development Strategy of the Republic of Tajikistan until 2030. In 2017, the Tourism Development Committee under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan was established. Furthermore, 2018 was declared the Year of Tourism and Folk Crafts Development, and 2019–2021 was declared the Year of Rural Development, Tourism, and Folk Crafts.
Conference participants emphasized that the impact of digitalization is particularly noticeable in tourism. The internet and social media have become an effective tool for promoting Tajikistan's tourism potential. Users can now share their travel experiences in real time, publish photos and videos, and highlight tourist routes and cultural features of the country.
Today, bloggers play a significant role in shaping tourism discourse. While television, radio, and print media were previously the primary sources of tourism information, most audiences now receive their information through Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Telegram.
According to conference participants, modern digital platforms play an important role in promoting Tajikistan's tourism potential and shaping the country's positive image internationally.
