[Source/Observer Network Wang Yong Editing/Zhao Qiankun]

According to a recent report by Brussels-based Travel Tomorrow website, on April 18th, Turkmenistan passed a new regulation aimed at opening up tourism, simplifying the entry process for foreigners, increasing tourism revenue, and boosting foreign trade. Perhaps soon, foreign tourists will be able to apply for visas through a simplified online system and visit Turkmenistan for travel.

The report stated that Turkmenistan is emulating other Asian countries, such as China, to open its tourism industry and promote economic development. Although the exact effective date of the new regulation has not been announced, it has already signaled to the world that it will welcome global travelers for sightseeing.

Turkmenistan Grand Canyon Turkmenistan Ayan website

A report from Germany's Intelli News website stated that a new sign indicates that Turkmenistan is attempting to open up its tourism industry to the world. The country has already modified the visa application, processing, and storage information systems in its immigration service system. Previously, foreign tourists needed an invitation letter issued by Turkmenistan's immigration bureau to apply for a visa.

The report mentioned that the newly passed regulations in Turkmenistan include authorizing its national institutions to issue electronic visas to foreign citizens and stateless persons. Foreign travelers who obtain electronic visas will have the right to enter, stay, and transit.

The report noted that previously, obtaining a Turkmenistan visa required great patience because the country had long implemented a comprehensive policy of not fully opening up its tourism sector and maintained strict entry restrictions. Many visa applications ended with inexplicable rejections. Now, the new law in the country is emulating China's successful experience to simplify the entry process for foreigners. The most direct benefit of relaxing visa restrictions is the promotion of tourism development, which will also boost trade investment and regional connectivity in the country. It is expected that this move will significantly enhance Turkmenistan's trade development and tourism revenue.

Relevant information shows that Turkmenistan is located in southwestern Central Asia, on the east coast of the Caspian Sea, in the center of the Asian continent, with about 80% of its territory covered by one of the largest deserts in the world, the Karakum Desert, which is hot and dry all year round.

Indonesian Tempo website reported that Turkmenistan ranks fourth in the world in terms of natural gas reserves, and natural gas exports are its main source of income. However, recent developments show that Turkmenistan is making efforts to promote its economic diversification through regional trade and tourism. Turkmenistan's most famous tourist attraction is the "Gate of Hell," a natural gas fire pit about 260 kilometers away from Ashgabat. This burning crater has been burning for more than half a century and is believed to have formed around 1971 when geological exploration personnel accidentally struck a natural gas cave while drilling, causing the drilling platform to collapse into it. In order to prevent the diffusion of dangerous gases, the explorers decided to ignite the gas to burn it off. Originally expected to extinguish within weeks, the flames continue to burn to this day, presenting an eerie surreal scene especially at night, and forming one of the most mysterious and surreal wonders in the world.

Turkmenistan's Fire Pit "Gate of Hell" The Guardian UK

According to a report by The Guardian UK, in 2010, out of concerns for environmental and economic factors, the Turkmenistan government mobilized experts from various fields again to find ways to extinguish the flames, but they were never able to find an ideal solution. In 2018, the president of Turkmenistan officially named it "Light of the Karakum." Today, this fire pit, which is 70 meters wide and 20 meters deep, has become a popular tourist attraction in Turkmenistan.

The report from Tempo also mentioned that besides the fire pit, Turkmenistan also has the Grand Canyon of Turkmenistan and the ancient Silk Road cities of Merv, Nisa, and Kunya Urgench, which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Among them, the ancient city of Merv was once one of the wealthiest cities in the medieval period, and now visitors can stroll among the ruins of the Sangjar Mausoleum to feel the charm of history; the ancient city of Nisa preserves the rammed earth walls of the Parthian Empire's palace, telling the glory of two thousand years ago; its capital, Ashgabat, still holds the Guinness World Record for the densest concentration of white marble buildings in the world, and traditional horse racing and carpet weaving techniques continue to carry forward the millennium-old cultural heritage; on the surrounding grasslands, nomads still maintain their traditional lifestyle of living in yurts and riding camels...

The report stated that Turkmenistan is known for its strict entry regulations and has long been one of the least visited countries in the world. Now, it has announced the simplification of the entry process for foreigners, which represents a pioneering change. It can be foreseen that this exotic and little-known destination will arouse great interest among world travelers.

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Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7497209374591451688/

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