Against the backdrop of increasing geopolitical risks and their negative impact on inbound tourism, facilitating entry into the country, improving the quality of services offered, and promoting the sector with economic tools are of particular importance. In this regard, we have identified key priority areas to ensure the systematic development of tourism.
Modern.az reports that this was stated by Fuad Naghiyev, Chairman of the State Tourism Agency, at today's public hearing of the Milli Majlis Committee on Labor and Social Policy on the topic “Current State and Development Prospects of Tourism in Azerbaijan”.
The Chairman of the Agency stated that this includes the implementation of a visa-free regime for target markets, ensuring price competitiveness in air passenger transportation, the establishment of a sustainable Tourism Development Fund, and the formation of a favorable fiscal and investment environment.
“Also, the creation of a Tourism Investment Promotion Document, as well as measures to eliminate a number of key obstacles related to digital payments, transport accessibility, digitalization, and access to cultural and natural heritage sites that negatively affect consumer experience, are also envisaged. The comprehensive implementation of these measures will ensure systematic, balanced, and economically measurable growth in the tourism sector”.
According to him, this will increase the export of tourism services, create conditions for the establishment of new jobs, and strengthen Azerbaijan's international competitiveness as a tourist destination:
“To ensure the implementation of measures in these priority areas by the State Tourism Agency, the “State Program on the Development of Tourism in the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2026-2030” has been prepared.
Currently, the program is in the discussion phase among institutions.
The document reflects issues such as promoting the expansion of air connections, promoting the country as a destination for gastronomy, health, winter, and ecotourism, supporting micro and small enterprises in the tourism sector, and improving the classification and accounting system for industry entities.
Also, increasing the accessibility of key tourist destinations located in the regions, developing educational programs and infrastructure related to the tourism sector, and other activities supporting such development are envisaged. Expanding promotion and social media campaigns in target tourism markets is also one of the priorities” – he stated.
