As Azerbaijan gears up for the summer tourism season, concerns arise regarding the readiness of the population and the situation in hotels. Ednews delves into the opinions of experts and hotel managers to understand the underlying issues contributing to the increase in hotel prices and the challenges facing the tourism sector.

Expert Perspectives:

Economist Khalid Karimli: Points out the seasonal nature of Azerbaijan's tourism industry and the lack of high-quality accommodation outside of Baku, hindering the sector's post-pandemic recovery.

Tourism Expert Rahim Gadirov: Highlights the challenges in regional tourism development, including the absence of hotels in certain areas, leading to price hikes and a lack of competition.

Economist Natig Jafarli: Attributes the rising hotel prices to increased demand amid border closures and expensive air travel abroad, advocating for government intervention and support for the tourism sector.

Suggestions for Improvement:

Expansion of Travel Routes: Gadirov suggests utilizing high-speed trains to broaden the country's travel network, enhancing accessibility to tourist regions.

Government Support: Jafarli emphasizes the importance of government initiatives, such as interest-free loans and tax concessions, to incentivize entrepreneurship and address accommodation shortages.

Adaptation to Changing Tourist Preferences: Recognizing evolving tourist preferences towards short-term stays and alternative accommodations, Jafarli stresses the need for flexibility and innovation within the tourism industry.

Current Situation and Conclusion: Despite hopes for a tourism rebound, hotel officials report modest booking increases for June, with the peak season expected in mid-July. The consensus among experts and industry professionals is that unresolved challenges persist, contributing to ongoing price escalations and hindering the growth of Azerbaijani tourism.