Azerbaijan to establish tourism institutions
By Amina Nazarli
Azerbaijan will establish institutions for carrying out scientific research in tourism sphere.
The issue is reflected in the amendments proposed to the draft
law "On Tourism", according to Azerbaijan's Parliament.
Under the draft law the government will appoint persons for
conducting scientific research. Moreover, the government will
provide financial and technical assistance to NGOs engaged in such
activities.
The strengthening of the image of Azerbaijan on the international scene as a country with a high tourism profile, contributes to the dynamic development of the country.
Azerbaijan attracts visitors from all over the world for its
rich historical, cultural and natural heritage.
Untouched nature, mineral springs, the world's only oil field
treatment -- Naphtalan, ancient architecture, unique culture,
cuisine, and more contribute to the formation in Azerbaijan of all
types of tourism including business, sport, medical, cognitive,
hunting, exotic, beach and even gastronomic.
Hosting a record-breaking for the country 1.7 million tourists in the first nine months of 2016, Azerbaijan has raised the bar in this sphere. The number of tourists visiting the Land of Fire increased by 30 times this summer compared to last year, according to the Culture and Tourism Ministry.
Today, 4.5 percent of the total gross domestic product falls for income from tourism.
Currently, Azerbaijan has about 300 tourist companies and more than 570 placements. The country hosts a series of luxury hotels – Jumeirah, Excelsior, Hilton, Four Seasons, Fairmont, JW Marriott, Kempinski, as well as many budget hotels for cost-conscious travelers. Soon the country plans to increase the number of two- and three-star hotels of economy class for the development of both inbound and domestic tourism.
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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on
Twitter: @amina_nazarli
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