Azerbaijan, Serbia mull cooperation in tourism

The Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB) and the Serbian National Tourism Organization have discussed opportunities for cooperation between Azerbaijan and Serbia in tourism and the expansion of tourism ties at an online meeting, Report informs, citing the State Tourism Agency.

Speaking at the meeting, Tourism Board CEO Florian Zengstshmid informed about the projects implemented during the pandemic. He said that the development of tourism relations with Serbia and the increase in tourist visits also contributed to the expansion of opportunities for mutual exchange of experience and cooperation.

Zengstschmid noted that Serbia is one of the 42 countries for which the travel restrictions have been lifted due to the positive dynamics of the epidemiological situation.

Maria Labovic, CEO of the Serbian National Tourism Organization, noted the period of stagnation compared to 2019, one of the most successful years for Serbian tourism, due to the pandemic.

She stressed that the simplification of visa procedures and the provision of direct flights as a continuation of cooperation in the post-pandemic period are among the key factors that will positively impact the growth dynamics of mutual visits.

The sides exchanged views on joint activities on international promotion platforms, exchange of information and experience in marketing, implementation of joint projects in health tourism, cooperation in hosting regional and international business events. They also discussed the joint presentation of common tourist routes, such as industrial heritage and Jewish heritage, at the European Institute of Cultural Routes.

Following the meeting between the chairman of the State Tourism Agency, Fuad Nagiyev, and Serbian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Dragan Vladisavljević on September 8, the relevant structures were instructed to explore opportunities for cooperation.