Number of Muslim tourists to Azerbaijan significantly rises

Baku. 25 April. REPORT.AZ/ The State Committee for Standardization, Metrology and Patent (SCSMP) and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism have today held a joint seminar on standards of “Tourism excursion services. Halal management system. Hotels”.

Report informs, the event was organized taking into account upcoming 4th Islamic Solidarity Games and tourist flow from Muslim countries.

Acting director of Azerbaijan Standardization Institute Namig Taghiyev speaking at the seminar said that a new halal tourism model embodying multicultural values of the country have been developed: “As a result of successful policy of the head of state, the sustainable social and economic progress achieved in last years opened new opportunities for all-round development of this sphere. Taking into account tourism inflow to our country in last years, we study international experience on halal tourism on the eve of 4th Islamic Solidarity Games to be held in our country in May. Number of requirements were incorporated into standards for accommodation, food and leisure in conformity with halal principles aiming at attracting Muslim tourists”.

N.Tagiyev told that alcohol and pork are not used at hotels matching these standards: “Only halal food and personal hygiene means are provided to customers. Also separate pools and spa services for men and women are available. Special services are provided to visitors during month Ramadan”.

Sector manager of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism Mahir Gahramanov told that formation of positive tourism image of Azerbaijan and its promotion as touristic destination, along with simplification of visa regimes with Gulf countries, as well as with China, Korea, Japan, Malaysia and Singapore had positive impact on current tourist flow: “Number of Muslim tourists from those countries have significantly increased. Number of tourists from Jordan rose by 2 times, Kuwait – 3.2 times, Qatar – 5.5 times, Saudi Arabia and Oman – 10 times, United Arab Emirates – 22 times, Iraq – 30 times. Twice as more tourists came from Iran during 3 months of this year comparing to the same period of last year. Number of Iranian tourists came for Novruz festival in March up to 70,000”.