Erzurum – April 25, 2025
The 8th Meeting of the High-Level Experts Group (HLEG) on Tourism of the ECO convened today in Erzurum, the ECO Tourism Capital for 2025. The meeting brought together senior tourism officials and experts from nine ECO Member States, serving as a preparatory forum for the 6th ECO Ministerial Meeting on Tourism scheduled for 26 April 2025.
Key discussions included the review of the implementation status of decisions made during the 5th ECO Ministerial Meeting on Tourism held in Ardabil, Iran, in October 2023. The ECO Secretariat presented progress on tourism-related mandates under the ECO Vision 2025, highlighting achievements and identifying areas requiring further collaboration.
Moreover, deliberations were held on the ECO Sustainable Tourism Common Criteria for Tourism Accommodation Facilities, aiming to promote sustainable practices across the region. The meeting also considered the first edition of the ECO Tourism Investment Guide, intended to attract investment and provide comprehensive information on tourism opportunities within ECO Member States. Nominations for ECO Tourism Capital for 2027, 2028, and 2029 were reviewed, continuing the tradition of recognizing cities with significant tourism potential. Delegates also exchanged ideas for drafting the Erzurum Declaration.
The outcomes of the 8th HLEG meeting are expected to significantly contribute to the discussions and decisions of the 6th ECO Ministerial Meeting on Tourism, reinforcing the commitment of ECO Member States to regional tourism development and cooperation.
