Baku already on tourist map
By Aygul Salmanova
The Baku Shopping Festival, aimed at developing tourism in Azerbaijan is taking place from October 15 to November 15 in the capital. The event simultaneously covering several areas including trade, tourism, entertainment, fashion and culture, is the most-awaited event for citizens and country’s visitors.
Dan Stav, Ambassador of Israel to Azerbaijan commenting on the event said that the government of Azerbaijan takes a number of positive steps to encourage tourism within the diversification of the economy.
“The Shopping Festival is one of the mains to attract more tourists to put Baku on the map. Baku is already on the map on a number of issues like Formula-1, Islamic Solidarity Games, 1st European Games 201. So, I think it is very important to do it as well here in Baku,” said the ambassador.
The diplomat also stressed on the significance of the festival for the businesses in the city.
“The idea to evolve this concept is very positive and I think it will contribute to businesses – accommodation facilities, restaurants, and transportation services. More and more circles of employment are created during this festival. I hope it will be continued in the future,” he said.
During the festival, customers in more than 400 stores of Baku will be able to purchase clothes, electronics, household appliances, furniture, perfumes and cosmetics, as well as other products from leading global brands within special campaigns and with discounts.
Additionally, the Tax Free system will be applied to the goods purchased. It is planned to organize interactive games, fashion shows and other entertaining activities.
Azerbaijani and foreign guests, who make purchases worth more than 100 manats in stores labeled with the “Baku Shopping Festival - Tax Free” stickers, get an opportunity to return a certain part of the value-added tax (VAT) from the amount spent. VAT refund is only possible in the stores labeled with these stickers. The certain part of the VAT amount can be refunded in cash or by transfer to a customer’s card/bank account.
The Shopping Festivals are being promoted as tourism products worldwide, thus attracting large number of tourists to the country. Recent years have seen the shopping gaining greater significance in tourism, given its contribution to the retail and tourism sectors of a destination.
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