Azerbaijani official: Tourism success increasingly measured by sustainability

Success in tourism is no longer measured solely by the number of visitors a country attracts, according to Fuad Naghiyev, Chairman of the State Tourism Agency of Azerbaijan.

Speaking at an international conference in Baku on “Green Tourism in CICA Countries,” Naghiyev said the criteria for evaluating tourism performance are evolving in response to global environmental challenges, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

He said Azerbaijan’s main objective is not only to showcase its natural and cultural heritage, but also to preserve it, develop it sustainably, and pass it on to future generations.

“Against the backdrop of global climate challenges, the future of the industry directly depends on preserving a healthy environment, using natural resources efficiently, and applying the principles of sustainable development,” he said.

Naghiyev added that Azerbaijan is implementing a range of initiatives aimed at supporting sustainable tourism, including the development of nature-based routes, expansion of ecotourism destinations, and promotion of agritourism.

By Sabina Mammadli