USAID fosters tourism in Tajikistan by connecting tourists to cultural and historical sites

DUSHANBE (TCA) — The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Committee of Tourism Development of Tajikistan on February 24 celebrated the installation of road signs to help connect tourists to important cultural and historical sites in Tajikistan. As Tajikistan seeks to expand its tourism industry, it is important to help tourists find Tajikistan’s many natural, cultural, and historical attractions, the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe said in a press release.

USAID’s Competitiveness, Trade, and Jobs Activity in Central Asia supported the installation of 21 road signs in English and Tajik languages in Zarafshon Valley for tourists from throughout the region and around the world.

Previously, independent travel in Panjakent was hampered by a lack of on-the-ground information indicating the location of sites, hiking routes, and customer-facing services. Furthermore, tourism to the Zarafshan Valley is increasing following the recent reopening of the nearby border crossing with Uzbekistan. Stakeholders highlighted the need for multi-lingual signage, at least on main highways, to indicate the presence of sites for visitors.

“Today we are celebrating another milestone marking the development of the tourism sector in Tajikistan,” said USAID Tajikistan Country Director, Mr. Paul Richardson. “We appreciate the opportunity to support tourism in this beautiful country and thank you for the tremendous cooperation between USAID and the Committee of Tourism Development.”

Road signs increase the visibility of tourist destinations and improve tourists’ travel experience. USAID worked with the Committee of Tourism Development to design, produce, and install the signs. The distinctive brown background was designed according to international tourist signage standards to help tourists locate interesting cultural and historical sites.

The newly-installed signs can be easily seen along the highway between Dushanbe and the Samarkand border crossing point. This initiative will promote longer tourist visits and more positive travel experiences. Destinations indicated by the road signs include the ancient ruins of Sarazm and Sogdian Panjakent, the Seven Lakes, and Artuch Lodge – a center of climbing and hiking in the Fan mountains.

Source: TCA