AmCham assists Azerbaijan in upgrading tourism sector
By Rashid Shirinov
The American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Azerbaijan will submit to the country’s government its recommendations for improving tourism by the end of July 2016.
The Travel, Hospitality and Tourism Committee of AmCham in Azerbaijan have held two productive meetings in June to mull improvement of tourism in Azerbaijan. One of the meetings was held with Culture and Tourism Minister Abulfaz Garayev, while the other at the country’s parliament.
AmCham representatives, at the meeting with the minister, mentioned the latest changes in the tourism sector of Azerbaijan, hailing creation of ASAN Visa service, amendments to the Migration Code and drafting of new Tourism Law.
Garayev, for his part, said that thanks to the recent international and local events held in Azerbaijan, the country’s tourism industry grows rapidly. He emphasized that tourism is one of the priorities for the non-oil sector development.
“Today, the share of tourism revenues in GDP makes up 4.5 percent. Currently, there are about 300 travel agencies and more than 570 facilities for guest accommodation. The number of tourists visiting Azerbaijan for the last 10 years increased 5 times. The aim of Azerbaijan is to ensure the opportunity to receive about 5 million tourists a year,” the minister said.
Garayev also noted the positive impact of tourism on the creation of new jobs as a factor of economic development. In addition, he stressed that efforts towards the development of culture and tourism in Azerbaijan will be multiplied.
Overall, Azerbaijan welcomed over 2 million tourists in 2015. That may be linked with several major high-level events held in Azerbaijan for the last years. The first European Games took place here in the summer of 2015. Additionally, Formula 1 Grand Prix races will be held in Baku on June 17-19.
AmCham also suggested its recommendations during the meeting at the Parliament. Chairman of the Parliamentary Social Policy Committee, Hadi Rajabli outlined the main challenges to the proposed changes into Tourism Law of Azerbaijan, as well as the shortcomings of the current version of the law.
In turn, AmCham’s Executive Director Natavan Mammadova, member of the Board of the Chamber Nuran Kerimov and Chairman of the Committee on Travel, Hospitality & Tourism Martin Kleemann presented their positions and outlined the key points which need careful consideration.
The meeting ended with an agreement on the establishment of a working group, which will bring together both MPs and representatives of the tourism industry. The bill will be presented for general public discussion in the near future.
The American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan is a private, non-profit business association supporting and promoting the interests of business in Azerbaijan. Established in 1996, AmCham is composed of over 280 members and associates active in every sector of the Azerbaijani economy. AmCham represents 80% of all foreign investment, as well as a significant portion of local investment, in Azerbaijan. As AmCham members, companies and organizations have access to a vast network of business information and contacts in the country.
---
Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov
Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz