(MENAFN- AzerNews)
Nazrin Abdul
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Azerbaijan is actively restoring and revitalizing its Economy in
the territories liberated from occupation, particularly in
Garabagh, directing all state resources and capacities toward
establishing local economies at the most modern standards. This
effort is a pivotal focus area under the "Azerbaijan 2030: National
Priorities for Socio-Economic Development" program, emphasizing the
implementation of the Great Return initiative. The government is
creating conducive conditions for returnees, concurrently clearing
mines, developing modern infrastructure, and stimulating economic
activities. These initiatives form the cornerstone of the
government's economic policy objectives.
Before the occupation, Garabagh and its surrounding regions were
distinguished by their significant potential in tourism and
recreation. However, challenges related to security and the
disruption of infrastructure resulting from the Armenian occupation
hindered tourism development, underscoring the sector's importance
as another key goal in the government's economic policy.
The reintegration of liberated territories into Azerbaijan's
overall economy following the victory will significantly bolster
the country's development by leveraging new international and
regional transportation and logistics corridors. This framework
aims to enhance regional stability, prosperity, mutually beneficial
cooperation, and the development of economic and trade relations,
further solidifying Azerbaijan's position as a leading state in the
South Caucasus regional economy.
President Ilham Aliyev's opening of the "Garabagh" and "Palace"
hotels in Khankendi and the "Isa Bulagi" leisure center in Shusha
on July 5th underscores the government's commitment to this
sector.
In his comment to Azernews on the issue,
Goydeniz Kahramanov, Chairman of the Association of Azerbaijan
Tourism Agencies, emphasized the critical importance of opening new
hotels, launching airports, constructing logistics facilities, and
developing railways and highways for the tourism sector.
"Reconstruction efforts are crucial as tourist numbers increase
and interest in this region grows. Currently, two out of three
airports in Garabagh are operational: Fuzuli and Zangilan airports,
with plans underway to open the Lachin airport by year-end. This
indicates our desire to welcome not only local citizens but also
international tourists in the future."
Garabagh boasts rich tourism potential across various sectors
including ecotourism, mountain tourism, winter tourism, hunting
tourism, and health tourism, which will actively attract tourists.
Highlighting the region's tourism prospects, Goydeniz Kahramanov
underscored ongoing restoration efforts aimed at harnessing these
opportunities.
"In general, the tourism prospects of the liberated territories
are incredibly vast. Currently, reconstruction is ongoing in these
areas. During the war, Armenian forces heavily mined these
territories, and now cleanup and restoration efforts are underway.
I have personally visited these regions several times; there are
areas and cities where not a single building is safe. Nevertheless,
restoration work is progressing rapidly, and we anticipate seeing
tourists there in the future. Significant efforts are being made in
this regard, and I believe we will soon welcome foreign tourists to
this area."
Kahramanov also noted that Azerbaijani citizens now have
increased travel options to Shusha and Lachin.
"Residents can travel to these regions by purchasing tour
packages through tourism companies, which include overnight stays
in hotels. Additionally, through the 'Our Way is to Garabagh!'
portal, citizens can travel independently under the condition of
returning by evening. I expect this number to gradually rise, and
we must be prepared for it. Visitor satisfaction is crucial to us,
necessitating meticulous preparation in this sector. New hotels,
guesthouses, highways, railways, and airports should be fully
equipped and aligned with our aspirations."
It's noteworthy that the establishment of new hotels ahead of
the COP29 event scheduled for November this year is commendable.
The tourism sector, including the hospitality industry, is fully
gearing up for COP29.
During the ceremony where hotels awarded stars under the
National Star Classification and the unveiling of the National
Reservation Platform, Fuad Nagiyev, Chairman of the State Tourism
Agency, emphasized the agency's special focus on sustainability in
tourism.
"Since last year's end, we've been a proud destination partner
of the World Travel and Tourism Council. This partnership also
allows us to participate in the 'Sustainable Foundations for
Hotels' program, covering 12 essential hotel operational
areas."
This year, the State Tourism Agency officially joined the Global
Sustainable Tourism Council, signing a memorandum aimed at
supporting sustainable tourism development, aligning global
sustainability standards with national practices, and implementing
international criteria in Azerbaijan.
Nagiyev highlighted the importance of integrating sustainability
into hotel operations, urging the industry to address contemporary
challenges and draw from international best practices.
"Our primary objective is to elevate the hotel industry's role
in hosting international events like COP29 at the highest
standards."
"As part of COP29 preparations, hotels and other accommodations
are listed on an official unified online reservation platform for
the centralized lodging of future attendees. The tourism and
hospitality sectors are fully prepared for the event," Nagiyev
affirmed.
He expressed optimism that hotels striving for star ratings will
soon achieve recognition alongside those already accredited.
"Regional star classifications will continue. I must emphasize
that the hotel industry has shown exemplary social responsibility
throughout the pandemic and the Patriotic War, steadfastly
supporting national initiatives. We're confident they will spare no
effort in upholding our country's reputation during COP29," Nagiyev
concluded.
Additionally, Azerbaijan is committed to ensuring that Garabagh
and surrounding areas fully benefit from tourism opportunities,
including ensuring security, facilitating the return of residents,
and creating infrastructure. This will restore Garabagh's
historical grandeur while establishing modern infrastructure and
unleashing the tourism potential.
Within a short period, the "Garabagh" and "Kharybulbul" hotels
have already opened in Shusha. Additionally, restoration and repair
work has begun on Yukhari Govhar Agha, Ashaghi Govhar Agha, and
Saatli mosques in Shusha, as well as the Vaqif Poetry Days and
"Kharybulbul" festival. The Heydar Aliyev Foundation's pivotal role
in restoring cultural activities in the region is undeniable. The
construction of three airports in Garabagh is also strategic.
All these efforts will facilitate more comfortable and
convenient travel for tourists, including local and foreign,
interested in visiting the cultural capital of Shusha, the pristine
nature of Kalbajar, and the ecotourism opportunities and thermal
resort of Istisu.
In conclusion, the development of tourism infrastructure in
Azerbaijan's recently liberated territories, including Garabagh,
has been a pivotal focus for the country's economic and cultural
revitalization efforts. Following the successful military
operations in 2020 that resulted in the liberation of these regions
from Armenian occupation, Azerbaijan has embarked on extensive
reconstruction and development initiatives.
These efforts aim to restore and modernize local economies,
create sustainable livelihoods for returning residents, and
capitalize on the rich tourism potential of the area. The upcoming
COP29 event in November 2024 serves as a significant milestone,
showcasing Azerbaijan's readiness to host international events and
highlighting the strides made in the tourism sector.
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