Azerbaijan launches ambitious tourist development plan in Dashalty

In the village of Dashalty, located in the Shusha district of the Karabakh economic region of Azerbaijan, work is commencing on the development of tourist infrastructure.

The State Agency for Tourism of the Republic of Azerbaijan is conducting preparatory work in this regard, Caliber.Az reports, referencing the unified internet portal for state procurement.

The Agency estimates that the infrastructure construction will cost $2.1 million.

It is worth noting that restoration and construction work continues in the village. Plans include building public and residential centres, cultural and educational institutions, social and community facilities, creating tourist zones, laying transportation and communication lines, landscaping the area, and providing infrastructure for environmentally friendly energy supply to the village.

On November 9, 2020, the Azerbaijani Army liberated the village of Dashalty, which had been under the control of Armenian armed forces since 1991.

The restoration of Dashalty, which has strategic significance for the city of Shusha, is one of the main objectives. Among the priority tasks are the development of the village, the creation of a comfortable and healthy living environment for the population that will settle here, and providing residents with employment opportunities and recreational areas.

The work covers an area of about 65 hectares, with plans to resettle 220 families. The total population to be accommodated here is expected to be 1,100 people.

The Azerbaijani government is making significant investments to transform Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur into thriving economic centres. The “2022-2026 Social and Economic Development Strategy of Azerbaijan” and the “Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development” programs provide a comprehensive framework for revitalizing these regions. Since 2021, over $10.37 billion has been allocated from the state budget for ongoing reconstruction efforts.

The “Great Return” program, designed to facilitate the resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs) back to their homes, is a cornerstone of rehabilitation efforts. As of August 2024, approximately 8,000 individuals have returned to their native lands, with plans to accommodate up to 34,500 families (or 140,000 individuals) by the end of the first stage in late 2026.

To support economic growth and resettlement efforts under this program, the Azerbaijani government is implementing comprehensive measures aimed at developing workplaces, providing decent living conditions, and ensuring sustainable regional development.

By Tamilla Hasanova