CAU Representative Delivers Keynote at International Tourism Congress in Ankara
Prof. Dr. Erdogan Ekiz, Dean of the School of Hospitality Management and Tourism at Central Asian University, delivered a keynote presentation at the 7th International Travel and Tourism Dynamics Congress (ITTD26), held from April 15 to 17 in Ankara, Türkiye.
The congress brought together academics, policymakers, and industry professionals to discuss the future of tourism under the theme “Re-Designing Tourism Futures in Turkic States: From Local Roots to Global Resilience, Wellness and Intelligent Transformation.”
In his keynote address, “Tourism and Education as a Cultural Bridge Across the Turkic World,” Prof. Ekiz highlighted the need to reposition tourism beyond its traditional economic function. He presented tourism as a strategic connector that strengthens shared identity and fosters regional integration across the Turkic world.
The presentation also explored Uzbekistan’s emerging role as a regional tourism hub, the shift from isolated destination models to integrated cross-border ecosystems, and the critical role of education in building long-term institutional capacity.
Central Asian University’s participation in international academic platforms reflects its commitment to contributing to global dialogue and advancing the development of tourism and education at both regional and international levels.