Investment Possibilities in Tourism Sphere of Azerbaijan MAHIR QAHRAMANOV

Azerbaijan is a country situated on the crossroads linking East and West, North and South

Location: Russia(in the north), Turkey (in the south-west), Georgia and Armenia (in the west), and Iran (in the south) Capital: Baku Area: 86,6 km² Landscape: main areas mountainous. Talish mountain, Great and Lesser Caucasus mountain range, 60% of the territory is over 1,000 meters above sea level Climate: 11 climate sone 9 is in Azerbaijan Local Time: Azerbaijan is 4 hours ahead of Japan Population: 9.1 million inhabitants, 90% azerbaijanian, 2,5% russian, 3,2% minorties and 3,3% other nationalities Languages: Azerbaijan Religion: more than 95% of the population belong to the muslim Currency and exchange rates: the Manat (AZN), non-convertible outside the country. 1 Azerbaijan manats = 0,0089 yen (may 2010) Security: very safe Visa: 20 USD for 30 days for tourist viza

State Program on Tourism Development for 2010-2014 Objectives Commitments Activity Areas

State Program on Tourism Development for 2010-2014 Objectives and commitments the formulation of modern tourism field corresponding to high economical, social and ecological standards implementation of goal-oriented activities for bringing the tourism infrastructure of the country up to the high international standards

formulating of business environment and promoting investments in this field for the purpose of involvement of internal and external investments to the tourism field creation of efficient state regulation and operational mechanisms by using leading international experience ensuring that the tourism field meets the standards of quality of services, improving the competitiveness of the country in the world s tourism services market.

Activity areas of the State Program The State Program takes into consideration implementation of expedient measures in the following areas: perfection of normative legal base and mechanisms of state regulation in the tourism field creation of appropriate infrastructure of tourism and recreation zones enlarging the scope of activities while using the tourism potential of the country stimulation of tourism activity in all regions of the country

involvement of internal and foreign investments to the tourism field improvement of various types of tourism, creation of new tourism routes preparation and implementation of progressive methods and standards for the purpose of development of tourism services enlarging the network of hotel and other tourism service establishments perfection of training of specialists and the system of improvement of professional skills, implementation of education projects with foreign countries

promotion of national historical, cultural and spiritual heritage, customs and traditions of Azerbaijan, publication of the materials introducing the history of different regions and cities, development of modern information and communication technologies promotion of production and sales of products of national identity and souvenir products expanding the international collaboration in the development of the tourism field

Statistical Data

Number of foreign citizens and incoming tourist of Azerbaijan (in thousands of people) 2000 1800 1600 1400 1200 1000 800 600 400 200 0 1899 1830 1350 1333 1178 1192 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 in thousands people

Number of tour operators and travel agencies 300 250 200 197 240 255 230 218 150 135 Number of companies 100 50 74 0 6 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Growth dynamics of hotels number in 2004-2009 370 425 238 262 288 320 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Lodging Dining

Airlines operating in the country International airlines:

National carrier AZAL operating more than 20 destinations Private airlines:

Tourism Information Centers

OFFERED PRODUCT Cultural and Historical Azerbaijan Cultural heritage Historical monuments Architectural sites Archaeological monuments

Natural Azerbaijan National parks Eco - tours Bird watching OFFERED PRODUCT

Adventure Azerbaijan Hiking and Trekking Cycling Mountaineering Horse riding Mountain biking Hunting OFFERED PRODUCT

OFFERED PRODUCT Culinary Azerbaijan

Cosmopolitan Baku Jazz Music Cafe/bars 24/7 Festivals Cultural Events Shopping Museums, Galleries and Theaters Entertainment Visitor Information Center OFFERED PRODUCT

OFFERED PRODUCT Conferences and Events Conferences and congresses Corporate events Exhibitions and Fairs Festivals Sport tournaments (box)

OFFERED PRODUCT Regional/transboundary product Azerbaijan in the center of the Great Silk Way

Winter - Summer Tourist Complex Shahdag

Seaside Development Project for Gilezi Coastal Zone

Bello Bonty Tourism Resort in Nabran

Construction of tourism, sport and resort center in Nabran settlement of Khachmaz region

Construction of hotel and business centre in Baku (city center) EDELWEISS Residence

Thank you for your attention and Welcome to