August 29, Moscow. In the capital, with the support of the Moscow Government, the Moscow House of Nationalities successfully hosted a strategic meeting of the International Discussion Club “VISION 3000”, dedicated to the key role of tourism in the modern world.
The agenda — “Tourism as a bridge between cultures: development of interregional and international routes” — brought together diplomats, regional leaders, deputies, experts and entrepreneurs to develop concrete solutions.
In modern conditions, tourism has gone far beyond the economy. It has become an instrument of “soft power,” people’s diplomacy, and strengthening international relations based on mutual respect and dialogue. The relevance of the topic is emphasized by Decree of the President of Russia No. 809, where tourism is called a practical tool for preserving heritage and strengthening traditional values.
The meeting was opened by Alfiya Ravilyevna Amirova, President of the International Discussion Club “VISION 3000”, who noted the strategic importance of the dialogue.
Dear colleagues, dear friends!
I am glad to welcome you to the strategic meeting of our VISION 3000 club. Today we are discussing a topic that is of particular importance in the modern world – “Tourism as a bridge between cultures.”
At a time when old ties are crumbling, tourism is becoming the instrument of public diplomacy that allows building new bridges of mutual understanding between peoples. Through personal travel experience, through acquaintance with the cultural heritage and traditions of different nations, we can strengthen interethnic unity and promote traditional values.
Today we will hear unique cases from our distinguished speakers from different countries and regions of Russia. I am sure that our discussions will make it possible to develop practical recommendations for the development of tourist routes that can truly unite cultures and peoples.
I wish you all fruitful work and constructive dialogue!
Greetings from the diplomatic corps: a look into the future.
The practical tone of the event was set by representatives of the diplomatic corps of friendly countries.
Ermek Omuraliev, Counselor of the Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic, and Bahodir Bakhtiyarovich Nazarov, Counselor of the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan, expressed confidence in strengthening tourism and cultural cooperation in their welcoming remarks.
Kyrgyzstan: A land of heavenly mountains and unspoiled nature
Ermek Sotsialovich, Counselor of the Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic in the Russian Federation, warmly thanked the organizers for the opportunity to strengthen humanitarian ties. He elaborated on the successful experience of cooperation with Russia, noting that our peoples are bound by long-standing bonds of friendship and mutual respect.
Mr. Omuraliev vividly described the unique sights and nature of his country:
- Lake Issyk-Kul is the pearl of the Tien Shan, one of the largest and purest alpine lakes in the world, which does not freeze in winter.
- Majestic mountain ranges,
- Green Alpine meadows,
- Fast rivers,
Kyrgyzstan is positioned as an ideal destination for ecotourism, trekking and outdoor recreation. The adviser also highlighted the country’s resorts, such as the Issyk-Kul health resorts with their healing waters and mud, as well as ski resorts such as Karakol, which is actively developing and attracting more and more Russian tourists.
Uzbekistan: The Pearl of the Great Silk Road
In his welcoming speech, Bahodir Bakhtiyarovich, Adviser to the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the Russian Federation, expressed confidence in the dynamic development of tourism cooperation between our countries. He stressed that Uzbekistan sees Russia not only as a strategic partner, but also as a close friend, whose citizens are getting acquainted with the cultural heritage of his homeland with great interest.
Special emphasis was placed on the famous cities of the Great Silk Road:
- Tashkent is a modern capital with an oriental flavor, where ultramodern architecture harmoniously coexists with ancient madrassas and mausoleums.
- Samarkand is the “Pearl of the East”, with its majestic Registan Square, Tamerlane’s tomb by Gur-Emir and the ancient settlement of Afrasiab.
- Bukhara is an open–air museum city, where every stone breathes history, and the Kalyan minaret has been a symbol of the city for centuries.
- Khiva is a unique nature reserve city that has completely preserved the appearance of an eastern fortress with palaces, mosques and powerful walls.
It was noted that the tourist flow between our countries is steadily growing, which is facilitated by the policy of openness and simplification of the visa regime. Separately, the speaker spoke about the richness of the national Uzbek cuisine, a real cultural phenomenon for which many tourists are willing to travel thousands of kilometers. Pilaf, samsa, lagman and oriental sweets were named not just dishes, but the most delicious ambassadors of the hospitality of the Uzbek people.
The speech by Dillor Ortukovna Azimova, Head of the Women’s Affairs Committee of the Public Council at the Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan, was vivid and informative. Her presentation “Tajikistan: the Gateway to the heart of Central Asia” became a real journey through the country. She highlighted in detail not only the rich cultural heritage and prospects for cooperation with Russia, but also invited all the guests to discover the unique cities and culture of Tajikistan.
Russian regions: from Crimea to Karelia
The block of speeches by representatives of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation proved that our country has unlimited potential for creating interregional routes that strengthen the unity and cultural diversity of the peoples of Russia.
Georgy Lvovich Muradov, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Crimea, spoke about the peninsula as a unique historical and cultural crossroads, ready to become a bridge for international dialogue.
Evgeny Gavrilovich Vlasov, Head of the Kamchatka Territory Representative Office and Chairman of the Council of Representative Offices, stressed the importance of developing authentic and ecological tourism that preserves the fragile nature of the Far East.
Sergey Alexandrovich Molchanov, Deputy Plenipotentiary Representative of the Republic of Bashkortostan, presented the region as a territory of unique cultural symbiosis and generous hospitality. In his speech, he emphasized that Bashkortostan is a living example of the unity of more than 160 nationalities, where a special atmosphere of mutual respect has been created for centuries.
Natalia Alexandrovna Belyaeva, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Karelia, invited the audience to take a visual journey to a land where nature and culture exist in inseparable harmony. Her performance created an atmosphere of immersion in the mystical and majestic world of the Russian North.
Legislators and experts: a look at education and technology
The topic of school tourism has become deep and emotional. Valery Vladimirovich Golovchenko, a deputy of the Moscow City Duma, in his speech “School tourism as a path from interest to ardent love for the Motherland” convincingly proved that this is a key tool for patriotic and spiritual and moral education of young people.
I have completed a block of speeches Masha Aizina, founder of the multimedia space Bolshaya Strana, with a topic on how modern technologies and multimedia can effectively and vividly promote the cultural heritage of the regions.
Academic emphasis: a look into the depths of the phenomenon
A special semantic point in the discussion was put by the final speech of the expert of the VISION 3000 club, Doctor of Political Sciences, Professor of the Department of International Cooperation IURR RANHiGS under the President of the Russian Federation Kamil Gazimagomedovich Landa.
With academic depth and strategic vision, Professor Landa emphasized the fundamental role of tourism as a “soft power” tool in preserving Russia’s cultural diversity. He emphasized that the development of interregional routes is not just an economic project, but an important state task to strengthen civic identity and preserve the unique heritage of small nations.
Results and prospects
Each speaker did not just share his experience, but sincerely invited all the guests to his native land, demonstrating that tourism is primarily about live communication, hospitality and public diplomacy in action.
During the meeting, the speakers unanimously noted the relevance of the chosen topic and highly appreciated the work of the organizers in creating a productive discussion platform. The presentations were devoted to practical aspects of the development of tourist routes, their role in strengthening intercultural and international dialogue, and preserving traditional values.
In the solemn atmosphere of the meeting, the certificate of a new member of the International Women’s Union was presented. The ceremony emphasized the importance of expanding the community of like-minded women united by the goals of developing cultural dialogue, strengthening international cooperation and supporting women’s initiatives in the field of tourism and public diplomacy. Joining the ranks of the organization was a symbolic step towards consolidating efforts to implement humanitarian projects.
Among the honored guests of the event were prominent representatives of the diplomatic corps and the regions of Russia, whose participation highlighted the high status of the discussion. Among them:
- Dmitry V. Ketia, Minister Counsellor of the Embassy of the Republic of Abkhazia in the Russian Federation;
- the leading specialist of the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan Nazhmiddinov Saidnabihon Marufkhuzha ugli;
- Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Dagestan to the President of the Russian Federation Kazhlaev Khadzhimurat Muradovich;
- Alexey Viktorovich Efimov, First Deputy Head of the Representative Office of the Tyumen Region Government;
- as well as representatives of the Plenipotentiary Mission of the Republic of Tatarstan in the Russian Federation.
Their presence has become a vivid testimony to the strengthening of interregional and international cooperation in the field of tourism and cultural exchange.
At the end of the event, the guests were presented with a touching video of the international photo contest “Mom and Children in national costumes”, which has become a vivid symbol of intercultural dialogue and family values.
After the official part, the participants had an informal set, where they continued discussing ideas, establishing contacts and planning future joint projects in an atmosphere of friendly communication.
The International Discussion Club “VISION 3000” would like to thank all the speakers, distinguished guests and participants for their contribution to the common cause of building bridges of friendship and mutual understanding through tourism!
We would like to express our special gratitude to GBU “Moscow House of Nationalities” for their help in organizing the meeting of the International Discussion Club “VISION 3000” and providing photographic materials.
More photos on the link https://vk.com/album-211188669_308661589
Information about the club:
The International Discussion Club “VISION 3000” is an open platform for the exchange of experience and discussion of issues related to the promotion of Russian and international intellectual dialogue and independent, objective examination of economic, cultural and social projects, bringing together like—minded people whose activities are aimed at dialogue and openness…..https://vision3000.ru/?page_id=7
The International Discussion Club “VISION 3000” continues to work on developing practical solutions based on the dialogue that has taken place.