As all the countries in the world, the tourism development in Azerbaijan has been heavily affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. UNWTO has shared various tools to assist Member States in their steps to minimize the effects of the pandemic and to continue the development of tourism, Secretary General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Zurab Pololikashvili, said in his interview with Report.
According to him, these include the UNWTO Tourism Data Dashboard, the World Tourism Barometer, publications dedicated to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and others: “Recommended steps are to ensure the application of necessary health and safety measures, continue investing in infrastructure, including transportation, accommodation, and tourist facilities, expand and diversify tourism attractions, with special attention to rural tourism, encourage further private sector investments in the tourism industry and further develop and improve tourism education and training processes. We encourage and invite all our member states to ensure sustainable and responsible development of tourism and are ready to support them in the steps they take.”
He noted that the UNWTO strongly supports the initiatives aimed at the development of rural and village tourism.
“One of the influences can be digital transformation: the integration of technology into the tourism experience may lead to more personalized and tech-enhanced travel, with augmented reality, virtual tours, and contactless services playing a larger role,” the Secretary-General said: “Tourist preferences can be fluid and subject to change based on a wide range of factors. The tourism sector and destinations that remain adaptable and responsive to evolving trends are likely to thrive in the future. Therefore, it's essential for stakeholders in the tourism sector to continuously monitor market trends and adapt their offerings accordingly.”