Azerbaijan begins the process of adopting the standards of the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC), which will be an important step for the development of the tourism sector, said Mahammad Muradov, head of the Tourism Policy and Strategy Department of the Azerbaijani State Tourism Agency, at the Halal Business and Tourism Forum (AZHAB Forum) in Baku, Report informs.
"As the chairman of the tourism standardization committee in Azerbaijan, one of the main tasks of our committee is to adopt SMIIC standards. Currently, these standards are being translated and reviewed," Muradov noted.
He also emphasized that in the future, Azerbaijan will actively promote itself as a Muslim country, especially in Middle Eastern markets: "Previously, we didn't pay attention to the fact that we are a Muslim country, but now we understand that this is our strength. Promoting Azerbaijan as a Muslim country will be an important element of our marketing strategy. We will start with the implementation of standards, and then we will continue with other steps to strengthen our image," he added.
The implementation of SMIIC standards will help Azerbaijan increase its competitiveness in the halal tourism sector and attract more tourists from Islamic countries.