TODAY.AZ / Business

Land of Fire to take new steps for tourism development

25 October 2017 [16:37] - TODAY.AZ

By Azernews


By Amina Nazarli

Tourism is one of the sectors which plays an important role in development and also generates foreign revenues. This sector is peaceful and reflects the nature and beauty of the country. It helps people of far flung areas to promote their culture and norms, it also provide opportunity to country to make a better image around the world. 

Boasting temperate weather year-round, as an intercontinental country, Azerbaijan offers a magical combination of climates and culture from both Europe and Asia. Here, visitors can explore metropolitan cities and historical villages untouched by modernity, or wander along the beautiful beaches.

Today tourism is developing with high speed in Azerbaijan, with a contribution of 4.5 percent to the national GDP. The country witnesses about three million annual foreign tourist arrivals and thousands of domestic tourism visits. 

The Land of Fire has potential for the development of its tourism sector, but, this depends not only on the measures taken in the tourism sector alone. This issue must be approached in a comprehensive manner.

In this regard, the draft concept of socio-economic development for 2018 and the next three years, submitted to the Azerbaijani Parliament.

Transport

Transport is the cause and the effect of the growth of tourism. To start with, the improved facilities have stimulated tourism, and the expansion of tourism has stimulated transport. 

The vacation in Azerbaijan for one week starts from $500 without the cost of a flight. The price looks quite attractive exactly, until you add the cost of air travel.

Air transportation, with over 54 percent of international tourists share, plays a central role in developing tourism industry, that’s why the country is open to all interested airlines.

In accordance with the concept the government will also support the creation of private airlines providing services at affordable prices. Moreover, national airlines offering to increase the number of direct flights to the target countries will also be supported by the government.

Wizz Air, the largest low-fare in Central and Eastern Europe and Pegasus Airlines are the two low-cost airlines flying to the capital of Azerbaijan.  

Today, Azerbaijan is experiencing an era of development in civil aviation. If earlier Azerbaijan Airlines AZAL provided passengers with ordinary flights, today the national carrier’s customers enjoy AZALJET, low-cost brand and only recently Buta Airways joined their ranks.

The first low-cost airline in Azerbaijan was founded in December 2016. The Airline’s fleet consists of modern Embraer aircrafts. Starting flights since autumn 2017, Buta Airways offers final minimum airfare for all destinations starting from 29 euros one way.

Recreational zones

The concept covers several fields, one of which is creation of new tourist and recreation zones.

Increasing number of tourists contributed towards the increasing demand for recreation facilities in Azerbaijan. Entertainment and recreational facilities play a very significant role in the promotion of tourist.

The inclusion of the needs of the population is a key aspect in planning and design of recreation areas. Thus, motives and desires of recreation seekers with respect to health, exercise, nature experience and relaxation play a big role.

Earlier late Augusts Azeravtoyol reported about the creation of special recreational areas along the highways, namely on the newly built Alat-Astara highway. The company plans to build such facilities at certain distances. Recreation areas will include parking places, petrol stations, cafes, rest areas, toilets, markets and other catering facilities.

Promotion through festivals

In order to increase the number of incoming foreign tourists, it is planned to hold major festivals in winter tourist complexes.

Azerbaijan, an incredibly beautiful area of unique nature contrasts: 9 out of 11 climate zones are observed in the country. Northern region is adjacent to the ridge of the Caucasus Mountains, and winters here are cold and snowy.

The country decided to use this advantage in January 2013 and in 30 km from the town of Gusar, the first hotels and the ski slopes of the complex Shahdag was opened. It stands 2,500 meters above sea level and serves as an outstanding getaway with its rich nature, fresh air, and wonderful climate.

Second winter resort "Tufandag" opened in Gabala region, provides visitors with skiing slopes and cable roads with a total length of 17 km with red, black and blue stripes.

The uniqueness of the ski resorts in Azerbaijan is that they receive visitors both in winter and summer. In hot weather mainly extreme sports are popular, while with the onset of winter skiers and snowboarders flock here.

Beaches

The sea washes 825 km of Azerbaijan’s shores ranging from the border with Russia to Iran, thus representing a great opportunity for beach tourism, not least for the consequent income. 

So, the concept also includes creation of new private and public beaches to use the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea for tourism purposes more rationally.

This section of the Caspian is great for seaside holidays; the beach season continues until October, making possible to tan and swim for five months of the year with sunshine practically guaranteed. 

Earlier Culture and Tourism Minister Abulfas Garayev said that some beaches in the country do not meet the international standards, offer poor service and ignore safety rules.

 To develop this field in the country and attract more tourists in this shiny season President Ilham Aliyev earlier signed an executive order approving an action plan on the development of beach tourism for 2017-2020.  

URL: http://www.today.az/news/business/166151.html

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