Do you want to make the most amazing trip to the very heart of the Caucasus, where all the best – the richest history reflected in archeological and architectural monuments, the picturesque nature with a wonderful climate, is collected? If yes, then pack up and visit Azerbaijan!

Sitting at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Azerbaijan occupies a unique position mixing the best of both sides. Although a small country, it is one of the most visited countries in the region. Tourists coming to see the country can witness unique nature, rich history and historical monuments, UNESCO Heritage Sites, diverse traditions and customs, different nationalities, delicious cuisine, and amazing climate.

Muzaffar Agakarimov, the adviser of the Chairman of the Azerbaijani Tourism Association, told Azernews that a number of steps are taken towards the development of the tourism sector.

“Recently, incoming tourism is becoming more popular in Azerbaijan. While after the dissolution of USSR and creation of the new state people preferred to go abroad, now the incoming and local tourism are the main directions of this sector. It should be noted that incoming tourism is the most important part of the overall tourism sector as it brings foreign currency and creates new workplaces for local people,” Agakarimov noted.

The main factor affecting the tourist inflow to the country is the fact that Azerbaijan is a stable country. Another factor is the tolerant and hospitable atmosphere existing in the country. In addition, opportune infrastructure, new types of tourism also significantly contribute to this trend.

Agakarimov touched upon the new types of tourism that have been developed in the country. The most notable among them was snow and mountain tourism: best examples of this type of tourism in Azerbaijan were Tufandag in Gabala and Shahdag in Gusar, he said.

Furthermore, Azerbaijan Health and Thermal Tourism Support Association was established in the country, which had done significant to develop the tourism sector, he said. The association carried out a number of activities to push forward the tourism potential of Naftalan and Duzdag located in Nakhchivan.

He noted that an executive order approving an action plan on the development of beach tourism for 2017-2020 by President Ilham Aliyev was one of these steps. Additionally Agakarimov said that numerous events were organized by the government annually.

Among different programs the Great Silk Way played a special role. This program will stimulate further development of the country’s tourism sector, he said.

The adviser noted that the development of the railway tourism in Azerbaijan created new ground for the improvement of the overall tourism sector of the country. “Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway is also a significant factor that contributes to the improvement of the tourism potential of the country. In the near future, not only BTK but also Baku-Astara railway will assume an important role,” he said.

He also noted that foreign tourists mainly prefer to visit Absheron peninsula, especially Baku: “Furthermore, they also travel to northwestern regions of Azerbaijan, namely Shamakhi, Gabala, Sheki; northeastern regions, that is, Guba, Gusar, Khachmaz; and Lankaran, Lerik, Masalli – the southern regions of the country.”

Agakarimov mentioned that the foreigners mainly tend to choose cultural tourism: they visit historical monuments, and join various excursions. Many tourists, especially those coming from Russia and Kazakhstan, come to Azerbaijan to improve their health. They prefer to go to Naftalan or to Duzdag.

Agakarimov also gave some recommendations to tourists visiting Azerbaijan.

“Firstly, I would recommend the tourists traveling to our country to visit ancient historical monuments of Baku, to come and see Icherisheher. They should also pay a visit to our regions. Azerbaijan is a country with rich history, great monuments and museums. For instance, I advise them to visit Art, Literature, and History museums. By visiting these museums, tourists will get detailed information on the history, art and traditions of Azerbaijan,” he said.

He also encouraged the tourists to visit the regions and enjoy the beautiful nature of the country. Tourists coming to Azerbaijan are recommended to visit the Ramana and Mardakan fortresses situated at Absheron peninsula, he said.

“Our guests should definitely taste the delicious, palatable Azerbaijani cuisine. You feel hungry even when its name comes to your mind. Kufte-bozbash, piti, pilafs, different varieties of dolma, tea sets, sweets, national wines of the country are among the best representatives of Azerbaijani cuisine,” he stressed.

 

 

Source: azernews.az