Azerbaijan is actively working on the reconstruction and revitalization of the economy in the territories liberated from occupation, especially in Garabag, and is directing all the country’s resources and capabilities towards establishing the local economy on the most modern standards. This effort is a key focus area in the “Azerbaijan 203jan: National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development” program, which focuses on the implementation of the Great Return Initiative. The Government is creating a favorable environment for returnees, while at the same time removing mines, developing modern infrastructure and stimulating economic activity. These initiatives form the basis of the Government’s economic policy objectives.
Before the occupation, Garabag and the surrounding area had great potential in terms of tourism and recreation, but security problems and infrastructure disruption caused by the Armenian occupation hindered tourism development and underscored the importance of the tourism sector as another main goal in the government’s economic policy.
“After the victory, the liberated territories will be reintegrated into Azerbaijan’s overall economy, which will significantly boost the country’s development by leveraging new international and regional transport and logistics corridors. This framework aims to promote regional stability, prosperity, mutually beneficial cooperation and the development of economic and trade relations, and further consolidate Azerbaijan’s position as a leading power in the South Caucasus regional economy.”
President Ilham Aliyev’s opening of the “Garabag” and “Palace” hotels in Khankendi and the “Isa Buragi” leisure center in Shusha on July 5 underscores the government’s commitment to this sector.
Chairman of the Azerbaijan Tourism Association Goydenis Karamanov, in comments to AzerNews on the issue, stressed that the opening of new hotels, airports, construction of logistics facilities, development of railways and highways are of vital importance for the tourism sector.
“With tourism numbers on the rise and interest in the region growing, reconstruction efforts are crucial. Two of Garabag’s three airports are currently operational – Fuzouli and Zangilan – and plans are underway to open Lachin Airport by the end of the year. This reflects our desire to welcome not only local residents but also international tourists in the future.”
Garabag boasts rich tourism potential in various areas, including ecotourism, mountain tourism, winter tourism, hunting tourism and health tourism, and will actively attract tourists. Goydenis Karamanov highlighted the tourism prospects of the region and underlined the ongoing reconstruction efforts aimed at utilizing these opportunities.
“In general, the tourism prospects in the liberated territories are incredibly vast. Currently, reconstruction is underway in these territories. During the war, the Armenian army laid a large number of mines in these territories, but now cleaning and restoration work is underway. I personally visited these territories several times, and there are areas and cities where not a single building is safe. Nevertheless, reconstruction work is progressing rapidly, and I hope that tourists will visit in the future. A lot of efforts are being made in this regard, and I think that soon foreign tourists will visit the region.”
Karamanov also noted that Azerbaijanis now have more options for travel to Shusha and Lachin.
“Residents can travel to these areas by purchasing tour packages that include hotel accommodation through tourism companies. In addition, through the “Our Way is to Garabagh!” portal, residents can travel independently, provided they return by evening. We expect this number to gradually increase, and we must be prepared for it. Visitor satisfaction is very important to us and meticulous preparations are required in this area. New hotels, guesthouses, highways, railways and airports must be in line with our aspirations and fully equipped.”
It is commendable that new hotels are opening one after another ahead of COP29 scheduled for November this year. The tourism industry, including the hospitality industry, is making full preparations for COP29.
At the ceremony where hotels were awarded stars in the national star classification and the national booking platform was unveiled, Head of the National Tourism Agency Fuad Nagiyev stressed the agency’s special focus on sustainability in tourism.
“Since the end of last year, we have 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’ programme, which covers 12 key hotel operation areas.”
This year, the National Tourism Organization formally joined the World Council on Sustainable Tourism and signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at supporting sustainable tourism development, aligning global sustainability standards with domestic practices and implementing international standards in Azerbaijan.
Mr. Nagiyev stressed the importance of incorporating sustainability into hotel operations, calling on the industry to meet contemporary challenges and take advantage of international best practices.
“Our main objective is to enhance the role of the hotel industry in hosting international events such as COP29 to the highest standards.”
“As part of preparations for COP29, hotels and other accommodation will be listed on the official unified online booking platform to centralize accommodation for future participants. The tourism and hospitality industry is fully prepared for the event,” Nagiyev asserted.
He expressed optimism that hotels aiming for star ratings would soon be recognised alongside hotels that are already accredited.
“The regional star rating will continue. It must be emphasized that the hotel industry has shown exemplary social responsibility throughout the pandemic and the Fatherland War and staunchly supported the state’s efforts. I am sure that during COP29 they will do everything in their power to protect our country’s reputation,” Nagiyev concluded.
Additionally, Azerbaijan is working hard to ensure that Garabag and the surrounding area can fully benefit from tourism opportunities by ensuring security, facilitating the return of residents, and developing infrastructure so that Garabag’s historical splendor can be restored while developing modern infrastructure and unlocking its tourism potential.
In a short time, the “Garabag” and “Haribulbul” hotels have already been opened in Shusha. In addition, the restoration and repair of the Yuhari Govhar Agha, Ashagi Govhar Agha and Satli Mosques in Shusha, the organization of the Vakif Poetry Festival and the Haribulbul Festival have also begun. The important role played by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in reviving cultural activity in the region is undeniable. The construction of three airports in Garabag is also strategic.
All these initiatives will facilitate more comfortable and convenient travel for domestic and international tourists interested in visiting the cultural center of Shusha, the pristine nature of Kalbajar, and the ecotourism and thermal resorts of Istis.
In conclusion, the development of tourism infrastructure in Azerbaijan’s recently liberated territories, including Garabag, has become a crucial focus for the country’s economic and cultural revitalization efforts. Following successful military operations in 2020 that liberated these territories from Armenian occupation, Azerbaijan embarked on a massive reconstruction and development effort.
These efforts aim to revive and modernize the local economy, create sustainable livelihoods for returning residents, and harness the region’s rich tourism potential. COP29, to be held in November 2024, will be an important milestone that will demonstrate Azerbaijan’s readiness to host international events and highlight the progress made in the tourism sector.
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