Rauf Pashayev: Even after devaluation of manat more tourists visited Azerbaijan

Minsk. 7 July. REPORT.AZ/ "After the major events took place in Baku in recent years, the flow of tourists to Azerbaijan has significantly increased."

Report’s correspondent seconded to Minsk informs, Deputy Head of Tourism Department at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism Rauf Pashayev said adressing at the international conference in the capital of Belarus on "Sport and Tourism: co-branding in tourism".

He touched upon the importance of the International Song Contest Eurovision, Baku 2015 the First European Games, Baku 2017 the 4th Islamic Solidarity Games and Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix  organized for two years in a row for our country.

According to him, when foreigners saw the stand of Azerbaijan at the international tourism exhibition, they immediately remembered the Eurovision. The official representative of the Ministry noted that immediately after the competition, which took place 5 years ago, the influx of tourists increased by 10%.

Touching upon the significance of Baku 2015, R. Pashayev emphasized that in connection with the First European Games 21 000 people were provided with temporary job. He said that the games were broadcast in 110 countries, the opening ceremony was watched by 1.7 billion viewers and 220 thousand people via "youtube".

The official representative of the Ministry stated the role of the steps taken by the Azerbaijani state in this process: "We have simplified visa regime with some countries. Now more tourists from the Arab countries come to the country. Only from the United Arab Emirates the flow of tourists increased 25 times. Many factors played a role here. After the devaluation of manat, even more tourists visit Azerbaijan. Another factor is the simplification of the visa regime. I would alsolike to note the importance of hosting Islamic Games in Baku."

R. Pashayev said that during Formula-1 influx of tourists from Russia and the United Kingdom has increased because of the particular interest in this sport. All these major events are organized to hold Summer Olympic Games in the future.

The official representative of the ministry expressed hope that Belarus will successfully use the experience of Azerbaijan: "Belarus should also conduct major events on the same scale. I have no doubt that our friendly country will successfully use our experience. It is already taking steps to increase the influx of tourists. I would especially like to note the opportunity given for a 5-day visa-free travel to 80 countries. However, 5 days are too few. Along with this, it would be acceptable to use electronic visa regime. If such reforms continue, Belarus will achieve good results in the growth of the number of tourists."