From October 26 to 28, 2026, a delegation of the Ashgabat hyakimlik, led by Hyakim Rahym Gandymov, took part in the second World City Tourism Summit in Busan, Republic of Korea. The summit was held at the invitation of the Mayor of Busan.

Held under the motto “Local Tourism: Linking Urban Economy and Tourism Innovation,” the summit brought together representatives of 31 cities from 16 countries, international organizations, the expert community and the tourism business.

On October 26, at a mayors’ roundtable, R. Gandymov presented Ashgabat’s tourism potential. He noted the city’s significance as the white-marble capital of Turkmenistan and a venue for international events. Particular attention was paid to the country’s historical and cultural heritage, including UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The Hyakim of Ashgabat made proposals on expanding intercity cooperation in tourism, cultural exchanges and joint events. He also invited summit participants to visit Turkmenistan.

On the same day, R. Gandymov met with Busan Mayor Jeong Jae-su. The sides discussed prospects for developing partnership ties between the two cities, exchanging experience in tourism infrastructure and digital services, and strengthening cultural and tourism cooperation.

On October 27, the Turkmen delegation took part in a special session on cooperation in local tourism and expanding links between the tourism markets of the Republic of Korea and Central Asia. The discussion covered Ashgabat’s tourism potential, its modern infrastructure and its cultural and historical sights.

The summit also included the international exhibition “Global City Tourism Roadshow.” Turkmenistan presented a separate stand there, devoted to the country’s historical and cultural heritage, national traditions and Ashgabat’s tourism opportunities.