Since 2009, OCA Magazine has become a well-regarded publication with a readership that includes diplomats and businesspeople. It is the sole English-language magazine dedicated to the Central Asian and CIS region.

For the past 15 years, OCA Magazine has been promoting diplomatic relationships and international partnerships between Eurasia and the global community.

The list of contributors to OCA Magazine is extensive and includes heads of state, ambassadors, ministers, celebrities, academicians, businesspeople, and others.

In 2024, the magazine will celebrate its anniversary with both new and traditional special editions, as well as international events that will bring together readers, contributors, and partners of the publication.

A special issue, OCA: Creative Industries & Tourism Expertise, has already been published as part of the celebrations. The edition includes articles about the best tourist experiences, modern projects, and key challenges in the creative economy for Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, and other countries.

The articles are written by experts from various countries, including the UK, Spain, and Russia.

The text presents different aspects of tourism, such as destinations, innovation, environmental sustainability, and the impact of tourism on the economy and culture.

The first edition was presented to the audience during the OCA Zoom International Conference on ‘Sustainable Development of the Creative Economy: a New Model for Tourism in Central Asia’.

The conference brought together tourism experts from Central Asia to discuss current issues and trends. The speakers included Gulchekhra-begim Makhmudova, Artem Klykov, Irina Kharitonova, Gareth Stamp, and Gregory Schaefer.

The conference was moderated by Marc David Miller, who utilised his expertise and knowledge of the subject to facilitate communication between the experts.

The conference addressed significant trends in tourism development resulting from changes in the global situation.

During the Zoom session, new opportunities for Eurasian creative tourism were discussed by the experts.

Ms. Makhmudova proposed the creation of an edutainment park called SILKROADLAND, and also suggested the production of attractive video content based on her children’s books about the legends of the Great Silk Road.

Ms Makhmudova noted that while many are familiar with Western cartoon characters like Aladdin, there is a great opportunity to showcase the unique and diverse culture of Central Asia through animation.

Additionally, she suggested that Pixar Studios could consider creating an animated film featuring Central Asian characters such as Khodja Nasredin.

During the conference, Mr Gregory Schafer discussed sustainable cultural tourism and its management. He highlighted the significance of preserving cultural authenticity, promoting eco-friendly practices, and even exploring gastro-tourism.

During the discussion, Ms Irina Kharitonova brought up the topic of developing the creative economy and related industries. She noted that some individuals may not be familiar with terms such as ‘creative tourism’ or ‘creative industries’, and the aim is to promote better understanding.

Despite the business-oriented nature of the conference, there was still an opportunity for celebration. Marat Akhmedjanov, the founder of Silk Road Media (UK) and publisher of OCA Magazine, congratulated everyone on the 15th anniversary and expressed gratitude to all participants for their warm wishes.

Later this year the OCA Magazine community will see several more special issues and related Zoom conferences such as the 4th OCA Magazine: Education (a special opportunity for universities, experts and media representatives to promote education and research opportunities inside the region and abroad), the 5th OCA Magazine: People (40 interviews with outstanding creative people of Eurasia), the 4th OCA Magazine: North America Edition (a special edition observing the wide range of issues related to Central Asia, the CIS, the USA and Canada) and the 1st OCA Magazine: Real Estate (new and exciting opportunities for international investors).

The year’s activities will focus on the OCA Dialogue Forum ‘New Dimensions of International Investment Attractiveness of Eurasia. Global ReFace’ as the main event, scheduled to take place in London in November 2024.

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