(MENAFN- AzerNews) By Rashid Shirinov
Some time ago, the government introduced a new strategy of economic development, implying the Promotion of the non-oil sector of Economy in the country. Improving of the tourism sector was chosen as one of the main parts of this strategy. Time has passed and now Azerbaijan is reaping the fruits, since the number of foreign citizens coming in the country has increased several times.
Not surprisingly, overseas visitors flocked to the Land of Fire in record numbers in 2017. Their number increased by 20 percent compared to 2016 and reached 2,691,998. This is the highest figure observed so far, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism told Trend.
Among those foreign nationals, visitors from Russia made up31.6 percent oftourists (537,710). Then came tourists from Georgia -- 537,710 (19.9 percent), Iran -- 362,597 (13.4 percent), Turkey -- 301,553 (11.2 percent), the United Arab Emirates -- 102,360 (3.8 percent), Iraq -- 62,454 Ukraine --57,756, Saudi Arabia --33,273, and citizens of other countries -- 381,213.
Most of the foreign tourists or 313,515 people visited Azerbaijan in July.
Also, the number of tourists from many countries increased in 2017 as compared to 2016. They came from the European countries, countries of the Persian Gulf and the Middle East, Asia, Africa and the U.S.
As for statistics, compared to 2016, there were 4.5 times more tourists from Saudi Arabia, 7.4 times more from Oman, 1.9 times from the UAE, 1.4 times from Iran, and 2.3 times more from India. However, the number of Turkish citizens visiting Azerbaijan in 2017 decreased 11,790 people.
Thanks to the wonderful climate of Azerbaijan, its culture, cuisine, nature, attractions, and diversity, more and more tourists visit the country every year. Also, hospitality of Azerbaijani people, the capital with its super modern and ancient buildings draw the attention of all tourists visiting this South Caucasian country. The tourists mainly visit the most popular destinations Baku, Gabala, Quba and many other cities.
As for the tourism infrastructure, today Azerbaijan can accommodate about 40,000 tourists in its 575 hotels, which include a series of luxury ones Excelsior, Hilton, Four Seasons, Fairmont, JW Marriott as well as several budget hotels for cost-conscious travelers. Moreover, 25 hostels and 92 apartments for tourists operate in Baku.
MENAFN0901201801950000ID1096327576
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.