Culture ministry seeks to develop tourism in regions

By Azernews

By Amina Nazarli

The government of Azerbaijan will continue reforms to organize the regional departments of the Culture and Tourism Ministry, said Minister Abulfaz Garayev.

The minister, addressing a meeting dedicated to the work of the regional departments in Baku on May 30, said that measures were taken to develop the tourism industry and create tourist clusters.

"Regional offices should increase the number of entertainment programs, such as concerts and exhibitions in the open air, as well as tourist facilities," he said.

Garayev added that the regional departments of the Ministry should actively participate in promoting the cultural, historical values and tourism opportunities of the country.

Cultural institutions, dance and music groups of the regions should take an active part in this work, according to him.

The minister further voiced a need to boost ties among cultural institutions of the country’s regions, cultural collectives of neighboring regions.

In conclusion, Garayev once again stressed the importance of organizing cultural and tourist services on the ground at the high level.

Azerbaijan is the land where all paths meet, fully refuting disproving the old saying that, "West is West and East is East, and never the twain shall meet".

Tourists see here a clash of East meets West and find a lot to enjoy. Situated on the Great Silk Road, and divided partially between Eastern Europe and Western Asia, Azerbaijan blended the best from both cultures, forming its own unique rich culture, that’s why its people are neither totally Eastern, nor totally Western.

Azerbaijan was able to make big strides in development of basic types of tourism such as beach, sightseeing, medical, extreme and business tourism.