Azerbaijan, Baku, 13 March / Trend A.Akhundov /
The Azerbaijani Ministry of Culture and Tourism plans to finalise the draft law 'On tourism' within six months.
This was announced to reporters by the Deputy Minister Nazim Samadov on Wednesday.
The draft law is presented for public discussion and directed to the World Tourism Organisation (WTO) for feedback.
"Last month the WTO expert visited Baku to examine the draft law and presented a report. This report is now being studied by the organisation. Following examination of the draft law by the WTO it will be sent back to us and we will edit the bill in accordance with our legislation and present it to parliament. We will try to submit the bill to parliament within six months and hope for its quick adoption," Samadov said.
The bill reflects a number of innovations that will give impetus to the development of tourism. In particular it proposed the creation of licensed tourism companies. It is also proposed establishing a state tourism registry which would include the status of tourism resources, geographical location and boundaries of tourism resources, recreational areas and facilities and individuals and organisations licensed for the provision of tourist activities.
The draft also provides for the health insurance of tourists traveling from Azerbaijan to other countries.