Azernews.Az

By Amina Nazarli

Azerbaijan, a country located on the western edge of the Caspian Sea and at the crossroad between East and West, opens travel offices in Turkey and Russia.

Culture and Tourism Minister Abulfaz Garayev announced last week that relevant agreements have already been signed for the opening of offices of the Ministry and Azerbaijan Tourism Association in these neighboring countries.

The opening of the national offices in Turkey is scheduled for late February, while the offices in Russia will operate by mid-March.

The minister further underlined the increase of tourists from neighboring Russia, Iran and Georgia, associating it with the fact that the Azerbaijani tourism companies maintain financial calculations in the national currency manat.

“Travel companies and hotels operating in the country’s regions make the calculations in national currency and this is expanding tourist flow in Azerbaijan,” he emphasized, adding that prices offered in the national tourism industry today, can compete with those offered in the region.

Garayev also reminded that this year the Land of Fire expects an increase in the number of tourists due to hosting of large-scale events.

To promote the country’s tourism potential, Azerbaijan has opened several travel offices in different countries including Germany, and UAE.

Experts say the Dubai office opened in 2011 gives efficient fruits and last year the number of visitors from Gulf countries, mainly Dubai, Doha and other cities significantly increased.

To promote Azerbaijan, also known as the "Land of Fire", in these countries and to increase the awareness of foreigners, these offices held several presentations and advertising campaigns in these countries.

The travel offices signed several agreements with the travel agencies of these countries, ensuring the sale of tour packages to Azerbaijan.

Being one of the most visited countries in the region, Azerbaijan attracts tourists with the blue sea, mountains of delicious fruit and exquisite cuisine.

The country attracts mostly tourists from Russia, Turkey, Georgia, and Iran, who make up roughly 95 percent of Azerbaijan’s tourist base.

Currently, Azerbaijan is able to accommodate some 2.5 million people visiting the country a year in 530 both luxury and 2-3 stars hotels.

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

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