Azerbaijan, Baku, April 27 / Trend A.Akhundov /
Rising prices in Turkey's tourist services, which was caused by unrests in the Arab countries, as well as the Price increase in seasonal flights of Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL ) in the direction of Turkey, will play a positive role in the development of Azerbaijan's domestic tourism market, Culture and Tourism Ministry's Tourism Department Head Aydin Ismiyev told reporters on Wednesday.
"The share of domestic tourism will rise in 2011," Ismiyev said.
AZAL increased prices for flights to Turkey due to the increase in fuel prices in this country, as well as customs duties. Media reports that the prices in Turkey's tourist services increased by approximately 15 percent.
Ismiyev said 60,000-70,000 Azerbaijani tourists visited foreign countries in summer 2010 and 200,000 people had a rest within the country.
"This is the official statistics compiled on the basis of data from hotels and tour companies," Ismiyev said.
He said the tourist facilities in the country's regions are ready for increased tourist inflow.
"But, construction of new facilities is also underway," Ismiyev said.
(AZAL) resumed seasonal direct flights on the route Baku-Antalya and Baku-Bodrum, the company reported on Monday.
The flight Baku-Antalya will be implemented from May 27. The aircraft will depart from Baku on Fridays and Saturdays at 11:10 am local time. The flights will be implemented until Sept.30. Airfare round trip is 535 manat.
Azerbaijan Airlines will launch flights Baku-Bodrum on June 11. The aircraft will depart from Baku on Saturday at 11:50 am local time. Flights will continue until Sept. 10. Airfare round trip is 530 manat.
The official exchange rate is 0.7914 manat to $1 on April 27.