Azerbaijan, Baku, Oct. 8 / Trend A.Akhundov /
The problem of obtaining a visa to Azerbaijan inhibits the development of tourism in the country, tourism expert Eldar Aslanov said at a presentation a report he has written on "The Tourism Sector in Azerbaijan."
Since 2007, Aslanov has headed the research center at the Tourism Institute established by the Azerbaijani Culture and Tourism Ministry and the UN Development Program.
"Foreigners face difficulties getting Azerbaijani visas. Azerbaijan has an interest in foreign nationals not experiencing problems in obtaining the country's visas," Aslanov said.
He said there are also problems in licensing and certification.
"One can often observe cases when foreign citizens rent houses from local residents. But, if something happens to the tourist, it will be not only the fault of the local resident, but also a blow to the image of Azerbaijani tourism. We must bring professionalism to B&B tourism," he said.
B&B ("Bed and Breakfast") accommodation is a common worldwide form of tourist accommodation in private homes or small hotels. B&Bs are small, often family-run enterprises that provide short-stay accommodation with breakfast thrown in.
Aslanov said Azerbaijan's underdeveloped tourism infrastructure cannot cope with more tourists.
"If the number of tourists arriving in Azerbaijan increases, they will have no place to go in the north, south or west of the country. We must increase the number of such places," he said.
He said that high prices also remain a problem in the sector.
"Prices rise in the tourist season. We must provide opportunities for the provision of travel services in Azerbaijan during the whole year. Prices for tourism services in Azerbaijan exceed prices in countries that we are losing out to as a service," Aslanov said.
Aslanov said that despite ongoing government activity, transport is another problem in this area.
"Foreign tourists must travel several hours by car from Baku to get to the winter tourist complex at Shahdagh, which will be built in the near future in Azerbaijan. Therefore, it would be appropriate to add air and sea transport routes," said Aslanov.
Aslanovov added that the standard of health and hygiene remains a major disadvantage of tourism in Azerbaijan.
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