Azerbaijan, Baku, July 22 / Trend/
A meting chaired by Culture and Tourism Minister Abulfaz Garayev discussed the Action Plan for the 2011 Year of Tourism in Azerbaijan.
The Tourism Institute Rector, Jafar Jafarov, Azerbaijani Tourism Agencies' Association Head Nahid Bagirov and deputy ministers, heads of departments, and department staff attended the meeting, the ministry reported.
Garayev said the Action Plan for the Year of Tourism was developed several months ago upon the Azerbaijani president's instructions. He said that executing the action plan will encourage the country's development of tourism.
The Culture and Tourism Ministry is responsible for the execution.
"All are aware of the care and attention provided by the president to the tourism development in Azerbaijan. Ways to develop this sector were developed in 2006 at a time when the ministry was established. Culture and tourism are closely related to each other. We must take advantage of tourism opportunities to show the world the rich culture of our people. On the other hand, tourism is the inflow of foreign guests to Azerbaijan. It provides for additional profits from a winning culture. The ministry focuses on this trend in its activities", Garayev said.
He said the Third International Music Festival runs in Gabala with assistance from the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. People from many countries attend this festival. Travel companies are also very active receiving guests.
"That's synergy of the culture and tourism", Garayev stressed.
Regarding the training of tourism sector staff, Garayev said this is also reflected in the Action Plan.
"Serious progress has recently been observed in training for the tourism industry. Last week I met with a group of graduates of the Tourism Institute who graduated with honors. These graduates also received a diploma of the Krems Austria University. During the conversation it became clear that they have already decided on a place of work. They are a new force, ready to innovate. Therefore, I believe that the goals and objectives for education improvement in the tourism sector reflected in the action plan will allow for significant action," he added.