Georgian travellers visit liberated territories of Azerbaijan

A group of 30 Georgian tourists has commenced their visit to the liberated territories of Azerbaijan.

They will observe the ongoing reconstruction efforts in the region, explore historical landmarks, and witness the destruction and acts of vandalism committed by Armenia during years of occupation, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

On the first day of their trip (October 17), the visitors will travel to Shusha, Azerbaijan's cultural capital. Tomorrow, on October 18, they will pay a visit to Aghdam city.

Three groups of travellers from Georgia are currently in Azerbaijan, and their visit to the liberated territories will conclude on October 22.

Notably, the Azerbaijani government has set a strategic goal to develop the Karabakh region into a major tourism cluster for both Azerbaijan and the wider Caspian region. This initiative is part of the “First State Programme on the Great Return to the Territories of Azerbaijan Liberated from Occupation,” which was approved in November 2022.

The plan focuses on revitalising Shusha, Lachin, Kalbajar, Gubadli, Zangilan, Fuzuli, and Khojavand districts by leveraging their natural beauty, including mountains, forests, rivers, and lakes. Proposed activities include mountaineering, winter sports, and promoting green, ethnographic, and agritourism.

By 2030, it is anticipated that over 2,000 jobs will be created in the tourism sector across Karabakh and East Zangezur. While demining efforts continue, infrastructure development is underway, with the design and construction of hotels, recreation zones, and balneological resorts already commencing.

Shusha is leading the way in tourism revival, boasting operational hotels such as Qarabag Hotel, Avan Shusha Plaza, and Kharibulbul Hotel. Plans for additional boutique hotels and guest accommodations are also in the pipeline. Notably, Karabakh Construction is set to build a luxury five-star hotel complex named Qarabag Zafar in Shusha.

By Aghakazim Guliyev