Azernews.Az

By Amina Nazarli

Tourism is a complex industry, where safety and security have always been indispensable condition for its growth. So stability and security are important factors for any country raising its prestige and contributing to the development of its tourism sector.

Azerbaijan is recognized as one of the most stable states in the world. The Land of Fire is among the most secure and stable states of Eastern Europe and the CIS countries, where people's safety is ensured at a high level.

The country continuously intensifies and toughens security and safety measures to ensure not only safety of its population, but also travelers visiting the country.

Amendments proposed to the draft law "On Tourism", submitted to the Parliament for approval, cover the issues of safety and aimed at ensuring security of tourists and excursionists during their stay in the country.

Under the amendments, tour operators will be obliged to give detailed information to tourists about features of the offered tours, as well as about dangers that can threaten their life, health, and property during this journey. This information can be given either oral or written.

In case of emergency situations or if any tourist does not return back from journey, tourism organizations must inform supervisors and relatives of tourist(s).

Muzaffar Agakarimov, the adviser of the Chairman of Azerbaijani Tourism Association told Trend that this issue is very important.

"Back in the 1990s, many Azerbaijani citizens left the country under the pretense of tourism and did not return back. That's why legitimation of this project is necessary," he clarified.

Agakarimov is sure that adoption of the draft law by the Parliament is very important and will positively affect the tourism sector.

In accordance with the draft law, henceforth, tour operators operating in Azerbaijan will be able to advertise or sell tourist products, as well as entrust its advertising and sale to a travel agent.

Moreover, tour operators and travel agents should prepare a catalogue of their services, where every kind of tourism products should be reflected, as well as indicate distribution of the services. The catalogue should also indicate the prices for these services, and the total value of tourism products with discount.

If travel products involve traveling to a country where compulsory insurance of tourists is applicable, then the catalogue must also include security conditions as well.

Another issue reflected in the amendments proposed to the draft law is establishment of institutions for carrying out scientific research in tourism sphere.

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli

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