These recent weeks, for once, I found myself traveling a lot as a tourist, on journeys that took me around the Kyrgyz Republic during a wonderful press trip organized by DMA, and later from Tashkent to Switzerland and the magic of the Locarno Film Festival and the design hotels of Zurich, to Italy for the Umbria Jazz Festival in the charming old town of Perugia, to Northern Denmark for a family reunion and an impromptu night at the phantastic Hilton Copenhagen Airport with its memorable breakfast buffet, and a bee line on the way home via Almaty where an insider took me gourmet restaurant and caf? hopping. The capital of Kazakhstan certainly has something to show for in terms of beautifully designed restaurants with a choice of food that can compete with venues in Europe and the US.

Why do I mention these European destinations in a Central Asian context? Right now, the future of tourism is being shaped in this region, on every level. From policy making to service, technology, interior design to printed products that help you make a choice while traveling, be it in a group or as an individual. We'll have to learn and get our good ideas from those with a proven success record (those above) and at the same time get more pointers for our "things to avoid" list (also from those above, hotels, restaurants, airlines, tourism boards, and all those whose job it is to want to make you come back). With time, you will find a touch of the old school professionalism of an Italian waiter in Almaty, Bukhara Fusion on your plate, graphic design that draws on the best from the best in Switzerland, the relaxed, competent and friendly way the Danes have with their guests and a trendy, cozy room at the home stay on the shores of lake Issyk Kul featuring the fabulous ancient yet modern design of Kyrgyz felt makers and embroiderers. And I promise, the aim is to preserve the Central Asian feel, the oriental touch and that very unique expression of culture of the people of Uzbekistan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan by create our own amalgam. Because ultimately this is why I have chosen to live in this part of the world and why I keep recommending these great travel destinations. It is all happening now, it is just soooo interesting here and still unspoiled. We intend to keep it this way.

What else is on my travel itinerary? Tadjikistan for our next supplement, possibly Morocco and definitely London in November.

Your sincerely,