Azerbaijan recognized as country providing luxury-tourism services: minister

By Azernews

By Amina Nazarli

Azerbaijan is recognized on the global tourism market as a country providing luxury-tourism services.

Culture and Tourism Minister Abulfaz Garayev made this remark at the meeting held with representatives of travel agencies and Azerbaijan Tourism Association (AZTA).

The meeting discussed questions arising from the presidential decree signed on September 1 on additional measures for developing tourism in the country in order to take tourism to a new level in Azerbaijan. Under the decree, the state will finance certain activities related to the development of tourism in the country, promotion of the tourism potential of the country, opening of new flights with low cost fares, and holding of shopping festivals.

The minister noted that the measures implemented so far to develop tourism industry are already bearing fruit. “Today, tourism is becoming the leading force in the non-oil sector of Azerbaijan's economy. Over the past few years, the country has established a large tourist infrastructure, and put branded hotels in operation,” Garayev said.

Saying that work in this direction is underway, the minister promised creation of network of two- and three-star hotels in the near future, what, according to him, will provide a flow of foreign tourists with different financial capabilities to the country.

“We will also continue to work to overcome the seasonal nature of the Azerbaijani tourism. The main areas in this end are development of beach tourism, creation of recreational areas, expansion of health tourism types, and development of winter tourism,” Garayev emphasized.

Referring to the importance of Tax Free system recently introduced in the country, the minister said that the number of retail facilities, connected to this system will be increased.

The application of Tax Free system is believed to positively affect tourist flow into the country and ensure competitiveness of the tourism sector.

Foreign citizens can benefit from tax free system, if the cost of purchased goods per one e-tax invoice is not less than 300 Azerbaijani manats ($192), including VAT. The goods should be taken out of Azerbaijan’s territory within 90 days from the date of purchase, according to the rules earlier approved by the Parliament.

Moreover, Azerbaijan is interested in Turkey's experiences in attracting tourists. Neighboring Turkey, providing quality and inexpensive vacation for many international tourists, is one of the favorite destination for many travelers.

The minister spoke about this at a meeting with Turkish Ambassador to Azerbaijan Ismail Alper Coskun. Garayev said that Azerbaijan is ready to learn from Turkey’s experience on implementation of new projects in tourism sector. 

Azerbaijan with mix of modernity and historicity continues to be in focus of millions of foreigners despite the global economic crisis.

More and more tourists are choosing Azerbaijan as a travel destination, and today Baku’s streets are often filled with foreign tourists with backpacks and cameras, photographing the beauty of the city.

Experts believe this sector can turn into the core direction for Azerbaijan's economic growth thanks to the extensive tourism potential of the country.

The number of tourists to the Land of Fire has increased by 30 times this May compared to last year, according to the Culture and Tourism Ministry. 

In January to June of 2016 a total of 972,000 tourists came to the country, with a large proportion falling to citizens from Russia, Iran, Turkey and Arab countries.

Currently 284 travel agencies and 535 hotels are operating in the country. The country can accommodate over 35,000 tourists in its 530 hotels, which include a series of luxury hotels, as well as many budget hotels for cost-conscious travelers. Prices for accommodation in the country start from $15 and increase depending on the hotel class and amenities provided.