The new Law on Tourism (No.448-VIQ of December 27, 2021) defines the foundations of state management in the field of tourism, mechanisms for regulating the tourism industry, rules for the efficient use of tourism resources, and sources of financing for the tourism sector to ensure the sustainable development of tourism in the Republic of Azerbaijan. The law defines cultural tourism as the experience of acquainting oneself with the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of the country or place being visited. Gastronomic tourism is defined as tourism accompanied by tourists’ acquaintance with traditional and/or innovative culinary samples and food products of the country or place being visited, local food producers, participation in culinary festivals, and other similar events. In turn, the Law on Culture (No.506-IVQ of 21 December 2012) includes the development and promotion of cultural, ecological, biological, and sports tourism as the main directions of state policy in the cultural sector. The use of cultural heritage sites for tourism purposes is carried out in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Azerbaijan, specifically the Law on Culture, Laws On Specially Protected Natural Areas and Sites (No.840-IQ of March 24, 2000) and On the Protection of Historical and Cultural Monuments (No.470-IQ of April 10, 1998).
The State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, a central executive authority that implements state policy and regulation in the field of tourism, as well as the protection of historical and cultural monuments located in the territories of state reserves under its jurisdictions, was established according to the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan On Certain Measures Related to the Improvement of State Management in the Field of Culture and Tourism (No.4 of April 20, 2018). To implement the state tourism policy, the State Tourism Agency has eight regional tourism departments in Baku-Absheron, Ganja, Sheki, Lankaran, Mingachevir, Guba, Karabakh and Ismayilli. The Azerbaijan Tourism and Management University (ATMU), the Baku Tourism Vocational School, and the Mingachevir Tourism College operate within the framework of the State Tourism Agency.
The Tourism Information System, led by the State Tourism Agency, is a “state-business” and “business-business” platform, the country’s unified state information system in tourism. The system’s primary goal is to enhance the competitiveness of the tourism sector, disseminate accurate and reliable information, promote the quality of tourism services offered in the country, and support the branding processes and corporate development of business entities. The Tourism Registry and an exceptional quality program are conducted within the system, a data warehouse is created, and electronic services are provided. The Tourism Registry aims to collect, process, search, analyse and transmit information about tourism resources, products and industry subjects in a single source, monitor that information, and improve the quality of tourism products and services.
The Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB), a division of the State Tourism Agency, aims to establish the country’s tourism brand, enhance its competitiveness in the global tourism market, and increase the recognition of Azerbaijan as a tourism destination by promoting it locally and internationally. Four Destination Management Organisations (DMOs) of the Board operate in Ganja, Lankaran, Quba, and Sheki, directly linking national-level tourism organisations to the public and private sectors and the community at the regional and local levels. Azerbaijan Tourism Strategy 2023-2026 defines tourism development through a 9-pillar model: Tourism governance, Regulatory capacity, Destination development, heritage and communities, Brand, marketing and communications, Tourism products and experiences, Digitalisation, technology and innovation, Data analysis and research, Tourism investment and public-private partnerships, and Human resource development.
The Reserves Management Centre, under the State Tourism Agency, is responsible for nine of the 29 historical, cultural, architectural, artistic, and ethnographic reserves operating in the Republic of Azerbaijan. These reserves encompass 210 historical and cultural monuments, four museums, and one house of culture, all situated on their respective territories.
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