Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 16
By Sara Israfilbayova - Trend:
Azerbaijan may need at least two years to develop sea tourism, Chairman of Azerbaijan Tourism Association (AzTA) Nahid Bagirov told Trend.
He noted that it is necessary to work out new routs for development of this branch of tourism. At the same time, Bagirov added, the Caspian tourism cannot do without Iran, but due to the sanctions, it is impossible to predict what happens in the future.
Speaking about other measures for development of tourism in the country, Bagirov noted that the flow of tourists from the countries of the Arabian world and the growth of number of tourists from India and Pakistan is expected next year, which is the result of work for promotion of Azerbaijan as a tourist destination conducted in these countries.
"The intensive work with partners residing in these countries is conducted for attraction of tourists. The travel companies are closely participating in this activity, more beneficial tours and packages are offered," he said.
According to the data of the State Statistics Committee of Azerbaijan, 2.2 million tourists from 193 countries visited the country in January-September 2018.
The project of launch of cruises between Caspian countries is in the works with relevant tourism agencies of Caspian states. The signing of memorandum between Azerbaijan and Russia on cooperation in cruise shipping in Caspian region using new cruise passenger ship of the project entitled as “Peter the Great” has become the first step in the area of development of sea tourism on Caspian sea.
The parties will work out the optimal routes of cruise passenger ships such as the ports of the Black sea – internal water ways of the Russian Federation - Astrakhan – ports of the Caspiaan sea; Moscow - Baku; Astrakhan - Makhachkala - Baku; Baku - Anzali - Noushahr – Turkmenbashi - Aktau – Astrakhan and others.