Let's try to find the answer to the question of prospects of development of tourism between Russia and Azerbaijan in official sources and in the Internet. On of my sources tells me "Tourism in Azerbaijan is a rapidly developing branch of the economy. Azerbaijan is a small ' country of fires' located on the boundary of Europe and Asia which makes it very attractive for tourist business development. Of 11 existing climate zones, 9 are represented in Azerbaijan. Despite the big Azerbaijani diaspora in Russia, tourism from Russia to Azerbaijani it is almost zero, except for visits of Russian Azerbaijani to Azerbaijan". Paradoxically enough, there are unique historical monuments, resort zones and Russian-speaking personnel in Azerbaijan, but tourism is virtually equal to zero. What is the reason?
For the Russian, Turkey, Egypt and Thailand are more well-known brands, than the Caspian coast. In the Soviet epoch, Baku was impossible to compare with such tourist points of attraction as Anapa, Sukhumi or Gagry. But times have changed.
What promotes these changes? What hampers them?
Any coastal Baku hotel offers excellent beach and comfortable rooms. The personnel is affable, but Russian language is not so familiar and clear for young Azerbaijanis as for old residents of Baku. Many young people living provincial regions are hired seasonally, as in Turkey Culture of communication is a bit different - many Azerbaijani feel too shy to address clients in English or Russian. It is a problem.
Speed of service is equal to the Turkish, and quality of food is obviously higher in Azerbaijan. People who remember Bodrum and Kemer of 1990s years can confirm that Turkish service becomes more standardised. It affected food quality. In Azerbaijan the personalization of approach is declared the main advantage and a kind of know-how. Frequently, the owner watches process of food preparation and service himself.
Advertising. Tourism potential of Azerbaijan is widely advertised on Euronews, CNN, National Geographic, BBC and CNBC. However, in Baku advertisement of coastal hotels is scarce. Probably, owners of hotels work for their traditional audience. However, advertising should be more personified.
To be continued
Alexey Vlasov, exclusively to VK
