AKIPRESS.COM - The World Tourism Forum Institute (WTFI) announced that H.E. Ambassador Kubanychbek Omuraliyev, Secretary-General of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), has been awarded the prestigious Leader in Tourism Award, the WTFI reported.

This accolade recognizes his exceptional contributions to the tourism industry and his unwavering commitment to fostering international cooperation among Turkic nations.

 Ambassador Omuraliyev’s distinguished career spans over 38 years, during which he has held pivotal roles in diplomacy and international relations. His tenure includes serving as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kyrgyz Republic to multiple countries, such as Türkiye, Israel, Belarus, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. In November 2022, he was appointed Secretary-General of the OTS, where he has been instrumental in enhancing cultural and economic ties among member states.  

Under his leadership, the OTS has initiated significant cultural and tourism projects, including the First Turkic World Cultural Forum held in Shusha, Azerbaijan, in October 2023. This event underscored the importance of cultural exchange in strengthening fraternal bonds among Turkic nations.  

The Leader in Tourism Award, presented annually by WTFI, honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the tourism sector. Previous recipients include global leaders such as Joko Widodo, President of Indonesia, and Abiy Ahmed Ali, Prime Minister of Ethiopia.  

Ambassador Omuraliyev’s dedication to promoting tourism as a means of economic development and cultural understanding aligns with WTFI’s mission to reshape economies through tourism. His efforts have not only elevated the profile of Turkic states in the global tourism landscape but have also fostered unity and collaboration among them.