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Baku to host international tourism fair tomorrow

03 April 2013 12:57 (UTC +04:00)

During today’s press conference dedicated to the fair, the Director of Iteca Caspian Farid Mammadov said that if in 2002, only 32 companies from 8 countries took part in the first AITF, this year’s event has brought together 250 companies from 35 countries.

‘As it seen, dynamics of AITF is positive and I hope that this will continue in the coming years, too. Compared to previous year, the number and exposition of participants grew more than 40%’, noted Mammadov.

Official of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism Aydin Ismiyev touched upon development of tourism sphere of Azerbaijan during recent years and he noted that interest of foreign countries in this sector increases day-by-day: ‘Though in 2002-2003, only 18-19 hotels and motels operated in the country, at present time, this figure is above 500. Besides, over 200 tourism companies operate in the country.

Manager of the fair Khayal Aliyeva gave information about AITF-2013. She said that for the first time, representatives from Indonesia, Hungary, Slovenia, Thailand, Morocco, France, Canada and Tunisia will be there, hoping to maximise the flow of tourists from Azerbaijan.

Aliyev added that the fair will also provide the opportunity to discover Azerbaijan's tourist potential. A wide range of stands from: Khachmaz, Gusarov, Guba, Gabala, Gakh, Sheki, Gyandzha, Masalli, Ismayilli, Lankaran, Oguz, Naftalan, Balakan, Nakhichevan, Salyan, Sumqayit and other regions of Azerbaijan will enhance the tourist destinations on offer, for both domestic and international tour operators.

In line with this fair, Baku will also host HOREX Caucasus 2013, the 7th Caucasus International Hospitality Fair. HOREX Caucasus will feature 30 exhibiting companies from Azerbaijan, Germany, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Turkey and Russia, all displaying their products for hotels, restaurants and retail. Stands will feature products for varied interior textile design and decor; cosmetics and toiletries for hotels; professional kitchen equipment for various premises, from five-star restaurants to fast food outlets; crockery and glass for restaurants; detergents and modern cleaning equipment; management software for restaurant chains; and much more. Equipment for supermarkets such as trolleys and various baskets will make a first appearance this year, and the Drinks for HoReCa section will feature well known tea, coffee and drinking water brands.