BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 9. Further growth of
tourism in Azerbaijan requires systematic investment, the Lead
Tourism Development Specialist at the World Bank Group, Shaun Mann
said, Trend's
correspondent reports from the event.
He made the statement at the event “Unlocking Tourism's
Potential to Drive Economic Growth and Diversification.”
According to Mann, all tourism destinations go through a
specific development life cycle, and investments in basic
institutions and infrastructure are crucial during its initial
stage.
“In the early stages of development, it is necessary to invest
in fundamental legislation, governance systems, infrastructure, and
basic projects. Azerbaijan has already made significant progress in
this regard. In my view, Azerbaijan has already reached this stage.
International brands are represented here, investments have been
made, and global events are being held, thanks to which the country
has gained international recognition and appeared on the world
tourism map,” Mann said.
Furthermore, he stated that the next stage should be to increase
the economic value of tourism.
"The next step is not so much about increasing tourist numbers
as it is about enhancing the value of tourism. This can only be
achieved by developing tourism products and destinations. The
further development of the industry requires a systematic approach
to investment. The next phase of work involves systematic
investment in tourist destinations and market segments for which
these destinations may be attractive,” he said.
Moreover, Mann emphasized that expanding air service plays an
important role in this process.
“The development of tourist destinations must be accompanied by
cooperation with the aviation industry to open new air routes.
Investors who are already operating successfully in Baku will, over
time, open new facilities in other tourist destinations as well.
However, the necessary basic conditions must be created for this.
Tourism is a cross-sectoral industry that requires coordination
among various government agencies. The participation of local
authorities, municipalities, transportation agencies, and other
government bodies is essential. Such coordination must be carried
out at the national level,” Mann emphasized.
The expert added that having an appropriate management system
ensures regional development and coordinates the implementation of
projects related to road infrastructure, national parks, protected
natural areas, and cultural heritage sites.
Referring to the work that has been done, Mann noted that plans
for the development of tourist destinations have already been
prepared, stakeholders have been identified, and existing
infrastructure gaps have been pinpointed.
“Now all of this requires investment. Without it, further
development is impossible,” the World Bank representative
concluded.
