Opportunities for developing cooperation within the Union of Ski Resorts of the Turkic States assessed

Opportunities for developing cooperation within the Union of Ski Resorts of the Turkic States (USRTS) were assessed.

Between 21–24 December, a meeting was held with the participation of representatives of the member countries of the Union of Ski Resorts of the Turkic States, aimed at expanding cooperation and strengthening mutual partnership relations.

The event, held at Erciyes Ski Resort in the city of Kayseri, Türkiye, brought together representatives of the leading ski resorts of Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

During the meeting, participants discussed the Union's core areas of activity, the development of joint projects for organizing sports competitions and cultural and gastronomy events, and the deepening of cooperation in these areas. Special attention was given to joint initiatives in marketing and promotion, the implementation of coordinated advertising and communication campaigns, the creation of joint promotion mechanisms through digital platforms and social media, and the mutual promotion of winter tourism products. Views were exchanged around various proposals.

In his speech at the meeting, Secretary General of the Union of Ski Resorts of the Turkic States Orkhan Badalov informed participants about the Union's strategic goals and its plans for 2026. Noting that, in line with the Union's event calendar for the coming year, the Second Turkic States Ski Cup and the Union Forum would be held, Badalov emphasized that these initiatives would make an important contribution to further strengthening sports, tourism and cultural cooperation among the member countries.

Chairman of the Board of Erciyes Ski Resort Zafer Akşehirlioğlu expressed his satisfaction at hosting this cooperation platform that brings together the ski resorts of the Turkic world, noting that such meetings not only develop the exchange of experience and knowledge among the resorts, but also make important contributions to promoting Türkiye's winter tourism potential at the international level, establishing new partnerships and increasing tourism mobility among the Turkic states.

As part of the visit, Union representatives held meetings with the Mayor of Kayseri Metropolitan Municipality Memduh Büyükkılıç, Kayseri Provincial Director of Culture and Tourism Şükrü Dursun and President of the Anatolian Health Tourism Association Ergün Sezer.

During the meeting, Memduh Büyükkılıç stated that the common history, cultural heritage and values that unite the Turkic world are being further strengthened today through fields such as tourism and sports. Noting that hosting the representatives of brotherly countries in Kayseri and at Erciyes Ski Resort holds special significance for Türkiye, Büyükkılıç emphasized that this platform serves not only cooperation in the field of winter tourism, but also the development of mutual trust, solidarity and projects for a common future among the Turkic states.

As part of the visit, Union representatives received detailed information about the tourism potential, existing infrastructure and service facilities of Erciyes Ski Resort. In addition, architectural works, museums and historical sites reflecting Kayseri's rich historical and cultural heritage were visited, and examples of the national cuisine were experienced.

The Union of Ski Resorts of the Turkic States currently includes the Shahdag and Tufandag Ski Resorts (Azerbaijan), the Uludağ, Erciyes and Ejder 3200 Ski Resorts (Türkiye), the Amirsoy Ski Resort (Uzbekistan), as well as the Shymbulak and Oi-Qaragai Ski Resorts (Kazakhstan).