Azerbaijan Tourism Association (AzTa) has proposed to introduce a number of restrictive measures on the flow of individual tourists to the country, particularly from Arab countries. The matter is quite urgent in terms of safety and organization of tourism.
"I propose the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Culture and Tourism to deal with the regulatory process of the influx of tourists from the Middle East to Azerbaijan, as many of them come to the country by direct flights. Certainly, the increase in the number of foreign tourists is a positive factor, but this process cannot be called tourism. Arabs do not join tourist programs, they do not use guide services and so on,’’ the adviser to the head of AzTa, Muzefer Agakerim, told abc.az.
According to the Azerbaijani law 'On Tourism', if a foreigner does not have a tourist voucher he is not considered a tourist. It is impossible to regulate the process in this situation.
"According to hoteliers, the matter is also relevant from the viewpoint of safety, as well the level and quality of accommodation. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism should monitor local hotels and demand from hoteliers to present explanation for accommodating tourists,’’ Agakerim said.
Advisor believes that it is necessary to introduce specific requirements for intrnational tourism immediately. It is also necessary in order to avoid chaos and ensure co-operation of local and foreign tourist companies.
