The first Azerbaijani-Italian tourism forum was held in Rome.
The forum was organized by Azerbaijan's Culture and Tourism Ministry, Azerbaijan's embassy in Italy, and Italian-Azerbaijani Association, and attended by representatives of public and private agencies, tourism institutions operating in Italy, and journalists.
Addressing the event, Azerbaijani ambassador to Italy Vagif Sadigov said that the key goal of the forum, which will create opportunities to discuss various topics related to the field of tourism in Azerbaijan and Italy, is the expansion of cooperation between the two countries in the field of tourism, and increasing bilateral tourist flow.
Giving information about Azerbaijan's tourism sector, the Ambassador said that the government is taking practical measures for its development, noting that the flow of tourists is increasing every year.
Referring to the Azerbaijani-Italian relations, the Ambassador said that the ties between the two nations have a long history. “These ties were given strong impetus after the national leader of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev made his first official visit to Italy.” He said that bilateral relations are on the rise and Azerbaijan is an important partner to Italy.
Then a documentary movie called "Azerbaijan: Land of Fire" by Italian director Daniele Carminati was shown.
Speaking at the forum, Azerbaijan's Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Vagif Aliyev said that Azerbaijan-Italian friendship is based on ancient history and traditions, and pointed out that high-level mutual visits gave impetus to the development of these relations.
The Deputy Minister said that in the last two years a series of events related to Azerbaijan's art and culture have been held in Italy. From this point of view, the exhibition entitled “Flight to Baku. Contemporary Art of Azerbaijan” organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation was of special importance.
Aliyev said that international organizations appreciate the prospects of tourism development in Azerbaijan, which has a favorable climate, beautiful nature, rich cultural and spiritual heritage, and a unique cuisine.
Referring to the support provided by the state to the development of winter tourism in Azerbaijan, Aliyev said that the increase in the number of foreign tourists during the winter is a strong signal of rapid development.
"Azerbaijan, which is a leading country in the region, has a number of successful projects in the field of tourism," he said.
"The main purpose is attracting tourists to our country at any time of the year, particularly in winter. Since the early days of its opening, Shahdag winter and summer complex in Gusar region has aroused great interest among tourists. This is one of the largest projects implemented in the field of tourism."
One of the important measures in the field of tourism in Azerbaijan is the introduction of electronic visas, Vagif Aliyev said.
"This system will simplify the documentation process and save time. Modern hotels, shopping facilities, restaurants, museums, transport infrastructure that meets international standards, safety, parks, entertainment places and other factors play an important role in recognition of Azerbaijan in the world as a tourism center," Aliyev said.
Italian Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Simonetta Giordani said that the forum will make a significant contribution to the expansion of cooperation between the two countries in the field of tourism and open a new page in the development of relations.
She also expressed confidence that the ongoing discussion will further serve to promote entrepreneurs in the implementation of new projects.
The forum continued its work with sessions on such topics as "Tourism as an important direction of relations between Azerbaijan and Italy: opportunities and prospects", "Funds for the promotion of tourism cooperation between Azerbaijan and Italy", "Ecotourism: development and environment", and "New stage in the development of sports tourism".
Different magazines, newspapers and books about Azerbaijan's culture, art, tourism and other areas were distributed among the participants.

AzerTAc