Latvian president's visit to Azerbaijan to deepen tourism relations

"Our aim is to exchange tourists between two countries. We want Latvians to arrive in Azerbaijan and we also invite Azerbaijani tourists to Latvia," Abele said.

At present, equal number of tourists arrives in Azerbaijan from Latvia and vice versa.  

"This number does not exceed 1,000 tourists but I think that this number will increase after Latvian president's visit to Azerbaijan. Many businessmen arrive in Azerbaijan annually. So, it is difficult to keep statistics of tourists," Abele said.   

He said that world financial crisis led to reduction of prices on tourist services. At present, there are cheap tickets to visit Latvia. Tourists get the same services but at low prices.

"It is important that the Azerbaijani embassy to Latvia operates with our tour operators as it is necessary to provide our people with information. I think that the president's visit will bring much benefit in term of development of tourism relations," Abele said.

Member of SPARE Travel Agency board Ivonna Kezbere participated at businesss forum. She spoke about plans to conduct meetings with new tourism agencies in Azerbaijan.

"We have worked with Azerbaijani tour operators for five years. At present, I meet with new companies. I think that number of tourists will increase," Kezbere said.

She said Latvian tourists travel less due to world crisis. But it is profitable for Azerbaijani tourists to arrive in Latvia now.  

Organizers of the event include the Azerbaijani Ministry of Economic Development, the Azerbaijani Export and Investment Promotion Foundation (AZPROMO) and the Latvian embassy to Azerbaijan.

/Trend Capital/