From 26 to 28 October 2026, a delegation from the Ashgabat City Administration, led by Mayor (Khakim) Rahym Gandymov, visited Busan, Republic of Korea. The visit took place at the invitation of the city’s mayor as part of the 2nd World Tourism Cities Summit, reports the press service of Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The international forum was held under the theme "Local Tourism: Connecting Urban Economies and Tourism Innovation". It brought together representatives from 31 cities across 16 countries, as well as international organisations, experts and tourism industry professionals.

On 26 October, during a roundtable attended by city leaders, Rahym Gandymov presented Ashgabat’s tourism potential. He highlighted the capital’s distinctive white-marble architecture and its role as a venue for international meetings and events. Particular attention was also given to Turkmenistan’s historical and cultural heritage, including monuments inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

In his address, the Mayor of Ashgabat proposed strengthening cooperation between cities in tourism, promoting cultural exchanges and organising joint events. He also invited the summit participants to visit Turkmenistan.

As part of the programme, Rahym Gandymov held talks with Busan Mayor Jeon Jae-soo on 26 October. The two sides discussed opportunities to strengthen the partnership between the cities, exchange practical experience in developing tourism infrastructure and introducing digital services, as well as prospects for expanding cultural and tourism ties.

The following day, the Turkmen delegation took part in a special session devoted to local tourism development and fostering cooperation between the tourism markets of the Republic of Korea and Central Asian countries. Participants were introduced to Ashgabat’s tourism resources, modern infrastructure and key historical and cultural attractions.

The international exhibition "Global City Tourism Roadshow" provided another platform for promoting Turkmenistan’s tourism potential. The country was represented by a dedicated stand showcasing national traditions, cultural and historical heritage, and opportunities for visiting Ashgabat.