The Tourism Investments Forum on Transforming Economies through Strategic Tourism Investments, organized by the Committee for Tourism Development under the Government of Tajikistan in collaboration with UN Tourism, will take place from 16 to 18 September 2025 in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.
The Forum aims to explore and promote strategic tourism investment as a catalyst for economic transformation and will bring together key stakeholders to discuss opportunities and strategies for sustainable, tourism-driven economic growth
Tourism
Investments Forum
“Transforming
Economies through Strategic Tourism Investments”,
Dushanbe,
Tajikistan
16-18
September 2025
Tourism has emerged as a powerful engine of economic growth, playing a crucial role in shaping the prosperity of nations across the globe. The sector not only brings in substantial financial inflows but also acts as a catalyst for broader economic development and regional cooperation. With its ability to generate employment, drive infrastructure development, and foster cultural exchange, tourism has the potential to transform economies and improve the quality of life for residents. Over the last ten years (2015-2024), the tourism sector has seen over 3,972 greenfield projects globally, amounting to
more than USD 272.9 billion in foreign direct investment and expected to create over 628,483 jobs. Of these, European economies have received USD 54.47 billion, or 20% of the total, with 1,597 projects (40%) and expected to create over 154,000 jobs (24%), while outward investment flows from Europe amounted USD 103.4 billion, or 37% of the total, with 1,973 projects (49%) and expected to create over 262,322 jobs (41%) globally, supporting the economic growth and development of the tourism sector both within Europe and beyond.Investing in tourism is not merely about attracting visitors – international tourist arrivals reached 1.465 billion, while Europe recorded 755.7 million in 2024[1] – it encompasses a wide array of economic activities that collectively contribute to a nation’s prosperity. Strategic investments in tourism can stimulate economic diversification and create positive spillover effects in various sectors, generating a ripple effect beyond tourism itself. These positive externalities contribute to the overall stability and growth of the economy.
Tajikistan, as the host country of this conference, exemplifies the potential of tourism investment to drive economic growth. Known for its stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unique historical sites, Tajikistan offers vast opportunities for tourism development. The country is actively seeking investment to enhance its tourism infrastructure, promote sustainable tourism practices, and create new attractions that can draw international visitors.
To maximize these benefits, it is essential to approach tourism investment with a focus on sustainability, diversification, and collaboration, ensuring long-lasting and inclusive economic growth. Tajikistan’s commitment to these principles makes it an attractive destination for tourism investors looking to make a meaningful impact on economic development and regional cooperation.
16 September (Tuesday)
20:00 Welcome
Cocktail
17 September (Wednesday)
Master of Ceremony: Ms. Anita Mendiratta,
Special Advisor to Secretary General, UN Tourism
10:00 – 10:30 Opening and Welcome Remarks
v Prime Minister/1st
Deputy Prime Minister (TBC)
v Jamshed Jumakhonzoda, Chairman,
Committee for Tourism Development under the Government of Tajikistan,
v UN Tourism
10:30 – 10:35 Official Hand-over Ceremony of the “Tourism Doing Business: Investing in Tajikistan” tourism investment guidelines (TBC)
10:35 – 10:50 Keynote speech: “Global Tourism Investment Outlook and Trends” and Presentation of the “Tourism Doing Business: Investing in Tajikistan” tourism investment guidelines
10:50 – 11:00 Attracting and Managing Investments in Tajikistan’s Tourism Sector
11:00 – 12:00 High-level Public and Private Sector Dialogue: Effective Partnerships to Unlock Tourism Investments
Realizing tourism’s full potential
requires substantial investment and strategic partnerships. The public sector
plays a crucial role in creating an enabling environment for tourism
investments, while the private sector brings in capital, innovation, and
operational expertise. The session aims to foster a collaborative environment
where both sectors can synergize their efforts to drive the growth of the
tourism sector. By leveraging the strengths of both public and private sectors,
the session seeks to unlock the full potential of tourism investments, ensuring
sustainable and inclusive economic development.
12:00 – 12:30 Fireside chat: The Investors Mind: The Pulse of Global Investment: What Attracts International Investments?
The session will bring together high-profile
investors and industry experts to delve into the nuances of global investment
trends. This session will explore the critical factors that attract
international investments, and will offer insights into the investor’s mindset,
understand the key drivers behind investment decisions, and learn how different
regions and sectors are positioning themselves to attract global capital.
12:30 – 13:00 UN Tourism – WAIPA’ Partner Session: “Catalysts for Growth: The Role of Investment Promotion Agencies and Free Zones in Attracting Tourism Investments”
Attracting substantial tourism
investments requires overcoming various challenges and leveraging key enablers.
Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) and Free Zones play a crucial role in this
process by facilitating investments, providing essential support, and creating
conducive environments for tourism development. The session aims to facilitate
the sharing of insights, discussion of strategies, and best practices and to
explore how IPAs and Free Zones can jointly act as catalysts for tourism
investment.
13:00 – 13:45 Investment Session: Healing Highlands: Investment Opportunities in Mountain, Health and Wellness Tourism
Mountain tourism and health and wellness
tourism are growing segments of the global tourism sector, offering
opportunities for investment and development. Mountain tourism has the
potential to support rural development, create jobs, generate revenue, and
raise the global profile of destinations, yet it remains underdeveloped due to
limited investment and strategic planning. Health and wellness tourism has also
seen significant growth, giving destinations the chance to diversify, address
seasonality, and extend economic benefits to rural communities. This session
will present a strategic framework to unlock these opportunities by focusing on
building wellness and medical facilities, developing comprehensive tourism
packages, and improving rural infrastructure. With targeted investments and
innovation, these regions can develop economically, socially, and
environmentally while capturing the benefits of these expanding markets.
13:45 Closing
14:15 Lunch
20:00 Gala dinner
18 September (Thursday)
Technical visit/Social Programme
For more information: WhatsApp +(992) 93 117 17 53