US companies eager to invest in Azerbaijani tourism

US companies are interested in investing in the tourism infrastructure of Azerbaijan, Chargé d'Affaires of the US Embassy in Baku Hugo Guevara said in a meeting with the head of the State Tourism Agency, Fuad Naghiyev, Report informs, citing the agency.

At the meeting, Nagiyev gave information about the measures taken by the agency to restore tourism during the post-pandemic period, the restoration and reconstruction work carried out in the reserves under the authority of the agency, the tourism potential of the liberated territories, and the projects developed based on the assessment conducted in Karabakh.

He also said that the development of regional tourism is a priority direction, tourism has recovered by about 50% compared to the figures of 2019, and relevant marketing activities are implemented, being taken into account the characteristics of the target markets.

Guevara noted the presence of factors such as rich historical and cultural heritage, nature, ethnic and religious diversity, stability, and diverse tourism opportunities in Azerbaijan. Emphasizing that modernity and history are successfully united in Azerbaijan, he expressed the importance of increasing awareness about Azerbaijan among American tourists.

The meeting, also discussed direct flights, cooperation within the framework of international organizations, and the exchange of experience. They also talked about cooperation within the "Support to Private Entrepreneurship" framework with the State Tourism Agency and the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and projects specifically aimed at developing rural tourism, agro-tourism, and gastro-tourism opportunities.