Since its inception in 2009, OCA Magazine has carved out a unique niche as the premier English-language periodical focused on the Central Asian and CIS regions. Esteemed by diplomats and business leaders alike, the magazine has spent the last 15 years fostering diplomatic ties and international collaborations across Eurasia.
As OCA Magazine approaches its 15th anniversary in 2024, it plans to commemorate this milestone with a series of new and retrospective special editions, alongside global events designed to unite its readership, contributors, and partners.
The anniversary celebrations have already kicked off with the release of a special issue titled “OCA: Creative Industries & Tourism Expertise.” This edition showcases the pinnacle of tourist experiences, innovative projects, and the foremost challenges within the creative economies of nations such as Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, among others. The contributions, penned by experts from the UK, Spain, Russia, and beyond, delve into various facets of tourism including destination highlights, innovation, environmental sustainability, and the sector’s influence on both economy and culture.
This special issue was unveiled at the OCA Zoom International Conference, themed “Sustainable Development of the Creative Economy: a New Model for Tourism in Central Asia.” The conference convened a panel of Central Asian tourism authorities to dissect prevailing issues and trends. The roster of speakers featured notable figures such as Gulchekhra-begim Makhmudova, Artem Klykov, Irina Kharitonova, Gareth Stamp, and Gregory Schaefer, with Marc David Miller expertly moderating the discourse.
A highlight of the conference was the exploration of novel avenues for Eurasian creative tourism. Proposals included the establishment of an edutainment park dubbed SILKROADLAND and the creation of engaging video content inspired by children’s tales of the Great Silk Road. The discussions also touched upon the importance of cultural preservation, eco-conscious practices, and the burgeoning field of gastro-tourism.
The dialogue extended to the development of the creative economy and its associated sectors, emphasizing the need for a shared understanding of concepts like ‘creative tourism’ and ‘creative industries.’ The significance of human capital in bolstering tourism’s competitiveness was also underscored.
Amidst the business-centric atmosphere, there was room for festivity. Marat Akhmedjanov, founder of Silk Road Media (UK) and publisher of OCA Magazine, extended heartfelt congratulations on the publication’s anniversary, expressing his gratitude to all attendees.
Looking ahead, the OCA Magazine community can anticipate additional special issues and corresponding Zoom conferences, including the 4th OCA Magazine: Education, set to further enrich the publication’s legacy of cultural exchange and intellectual discourse.
OCA magazine contributors and interviews (selected)
(2009-2024)
Editor in chief: Nick Rowan
Guest Editors: Stephen M. Bland, Gareth Stamp, Matthew Traver, Jack Hemsley
