Azernews.Az

By Nigar Pashayeva

The number of tourists coming to Azerbaijan from the neighbor Iran is increasing constantly in the past several years. However, this obvious tendency may be ceased in the current year due to the feasible growth of travel taxes in Iran, said Chairman of the Azerbaijan Tourism Association Nahid Bagirov.

He said that according to the Iranian law, citizens of the country pay certain taxes to the state for a trip abroad, he said. For instance, those who travel by air abroad, pay $15 and those who travel by land - $7.

Chairman of AzTA mentioned that according to information of tourism companies of Iran, the taxes will increase from March 20. Thus, those who travel by air, pay $45 and, consequently, by land - $15-20.

Bagirov also noted that no official decision has been made in this regard yet, but it is expected, that the Iranian state will approve it.

“If this decision comes into force, there may be some problems with the arrival of tourists from Iran to Azerbaijan. Therefore, no increase is expected in the number of tourists from Iran this year,” he said.

Azerbaijani and Iranian peoples enjoy the same cultural and religious traditions, and, most importantly, the geographical proximity plays significant role in relations of the two nations.

Until last yet Iranians head the list of tourists visiting Azerbaijan for Novruz. The tourist flow from this country considerably increased stating 2016 on the eve of the Novruz holiday.

During this period of that year the number of Iranian citizens rose by 35-40 percent, compared to 2015.

Most places in hotels of capital and country’s regions were booked by the Iranian tourists. Alongside capital city Baku, they also took part in tours to tourist routes such as Lankaran, Lerik, Masalli, Gabala and Sheki.

In addition, it is important to mention, that Iranian tourists were one of the most interested in local destinations. The biggest number of applications for ASAN Visa in Azerbaijan was obtained from Iranian tourists, according to statistical research from ASAN Service of the State Agency for Public Service.

Nevertheless, Bagirov added that during the Novruz the number of tourists from other countries is expected to grow.

Azerbaijan, known for its centuries-old history and outspoken hospitality, welcomed many travelers during the Novruz holiday traditionally marked in spring.

The colorful holiday accompanied by interesting traditions, customs and events have always been a sort of entertainment for many tourists from the neighboring countries, including Iran.

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