The Government of Azerbaijan and UNDP expand cooperation in the field of tourism development

Baku, 2 April 2007 - There is a growing recognition of seeing tourism and poverty reduction interdependent. In Azerbaijan, UNDP is working together with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to develop the tourism sector in order to contribute to poverty reduction and enhance employment opportunities, especially in the regions and rural areas.

On 2 April 2007, UNDP and the Ministry launched a second phase of their joint project aimed at boosting the development of domestic tourism over the next two years. The project document was signed by Mr. Abulfas Garayev, Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Mr. Bruno Pouezat, UNDP Resident Representative in Azerbaijan.

In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Abulfas Garayev stressed that "tourism development has a special place on the Government's development agenda" and is viewed as "an important tool in developing non-oil sector and reducing poverty". The Minister appreciated UNDP's support to the sector and described cooperation between the Ministry and UNDP as "very effective". "Today we are signing a document to extend one of our most important projects", Mr. Abulfas Garayev said. The Minister also noted the increasing partnerships with the private sector and growing interest of foreign investors to the country's tourism sector.

During its first phase, the project helped the Ministry to facilitate enhancing human resources employed in the tourism industry by conducting a national tourism training needs assessment. Based on the survey findings, specific Certificate Programmes were developed and "Educate the Tourism Educator" training sessions were organized in Baku and Sheki. This phase of the project will provide institutional support to the newly established Azerbaijan Tourism Institute (ATI) to raise academic standards of national tourism education system and its meeting international standards. A Research and Development Unit, a computer-equipped Learning Centre and a Library will be set up in the domain of the ATI.

Rector of the ATI, Mr. Jafar Jafarov, noted the fundamental importance of this project for the new education institution as "the first step made by the ATI in establishing international cooperation in the promotion of tourism education".

The project will also help to strengthen the effective performance of the regional Tourist Information Centres (TICs) which were opened within the first phase of the joint project and are planned for its second phase. Since 2004, the project has helped the Ministry to establish a central TIC in Baku and regional Centres in Shemakhi, Khachmaz and Sheki. This year, regional TICs will be opened in Lenkoran, Guba, and Ganja. The launch of the Centres in Zakatala, the village of Gala (the Absheron peninsula) and the Heydar Aliyev International Airport is planned for 2008.

The two components of the project are interlinked. The ATI will help to train people in tourism skills which will amplify the employment opportunities of its graduates. The TICs will contribute to the enhancement of tourism services in the regions and the creation of jobs in the tourism sector for those who will be trained in tourism by institutions like the ATI.

According to Mr. Bruno Pouezat, "Azerbaijan has extensive tourism resources. Tourism development in Azerbaijan has the potential to develop national treasures of culture and environment, boost the image of Azerbaijan around the world, and, most importantly, to create employment and incomes in the regions. We look forward to continuing our cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, local authorities and tourism specialists to continue the success of the project".


For more information:
Ms. Irada Ahmedova
Development Adviser,
Team Leader for Crisis Prevention and Recovery practice,
Focal point for Gender practice
Tel.: +99412 498 98 88 (ext.117)