Azerbaijan develops strategy for birdwatching tourism

Azerbaijan’s tourist destinations in the field of ornithological tourism were presented at a webinar organized April 20 by the Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB) for foreign companies engaged in avitourism (birdwatching tourism) in Europe, a source in the ATB told Report.

The webinar provided information on the possibilities for the development of ornithology tourism in Azerbaijan, including favorable places in this direction and existing bird species.

Meetings were held between local and foreign travel companies interested in birdwatching tourism, and an exchange of views was held.

In addition, on the initiative of the ATB in January-February this year, online trainings were held for local travel agencies interested in birdwatching tourism, as well as regional representatives of the bureau. At the trainings on the topic ‘How to invite and serve tourists interested in birds,’ plans and strategies for the development of ATB in the field of ornithology tourism were presented.

Swedish ornithologist with extensive experience in the field of tourism, expert, member of the Ornithological Society for the Middle East, the Caucasus and Central Asia Tomas Axen Haraldsson spoke at the event.

During the training, the participants were given a map of the birdwatching areas, as well as a brochure, which presents the species of birds living in these areas, samples of tourist programs for watching birds, birdwatching calendars and other useful information.

The development and promotion of ornithology tourism in Azerbaijan, which is one of the most attractive types of ecotourism, has been identified as the priority direction of the Azerbaijan Tourism Board.