ECO region with an area of more than 8 million square kilometers stretching from central to south and south-west Asia and a population of around 450 million inhabitants is well-known for its natural beauties, as well as diversity of its historical-cultural heritage. In this respect the region has a significant potential to be one of the major tourism destinations in the world, albeit not duly explored. The Region is one of the world’s richest in terms of historical and cultural heritage and echoes memoires of the ancient Silk Road.

As one of the largest and fastest growing economic sectors in the world, tourism is well-positioned to foster economic growth and development at all levels and provide income through job creation. The ever increasing and contribution of tourism to the world economy and less investment requirements and environmental effects makes it inevitable to adopt plans and strategies for development of tourism on national and regional basis.