Tuesday, June 17, 2025

In a significant move to elevate its tourism profile and economic development, Azerbaijan’s Gakh district has launched a comprehensive and collaborative Tourism Development Plan, following a pivotal meeting held on June 13, 2025. Spearheaded by the State Tourism Agency and supported by a consortium of government institutions and local stakeholders, this plan lays the foundation for a transformative journey aimed at harnessing the district’s untapped tourism potential and establishing a sustainable model that benefits both visitors and residents alike.

The June 13 meeting brought together a powerful coalition of stakeholders, including high-ranking representatives from the State Tourism Agency, the Executive Power of the Gakh District, the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, the Ministry of Culture, and the Azerbaijan Tourism Board. Also in attendance were delegates from the Azerbaijan Land Transport Agency, Azerbaijan Railways, industry associations, local tourism enterprises, and municipal authorities.

This diverse and multisectoral working group underscored the importance of integrated planning and cross-agency collaboration in building a viable and resilient tourism sector. Each participant brought valuable insights from their respective domains, emphasizing a shared commitment to advancing the region’s tourism ambitions in harmony with ecological and cultural preservation.

At the heart of the meeting was the introduction of a newly structured Gakh Tourism Development Plan—an action-oriented blueprint designed to guide the district toward international recognition as a premier travel destination. Nestled in northwestern Azerbaijan and surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, lush forests, and rich cultural traditions, Gakh holds immense promise for both eco-tourism and cultural tourism development.

The plan envisions transforming Gakh into a sustainable and attractive destination that draws both domestic and international travelers, with a focus on long-term socio-economic benefits for the local population.

The comprehensive strategy focuses on five interrelated pillars that collectively serve as the foundation for a thriving tourism ecosystem:

The plan calls for upgrading roads, building eco-friendly accommodations, improving public facilities, and enhancing transportation connectivity within and beyond the district. Emphasis will be placed on ensuring that tourism infrastructure aligns with environmental sustainability goals, particularly in protected natural areas.

Gakh’s unique combination of mountainous landscapes, historical monuments, cultural festivals, and traditional crafts offers fertile ground for developing new tourism experiences. These include guided hikes, heritage tours, community-based homestays, culinary routes, and seasonal events that showcase the region’s authentic identity.

The action plan emphasizes the need to boost Gakh’s visibility in international and regional travel markets. A modern digital marketing strategy, incorporating social media, targeted advertising, multilingual content, and collaboration with global travel platforms, will be essential to position Gakh on the tourism map. Special attention will be given to branding the region as an eco-conscious and culturally rich destination.

The success of any tourism destination depends heavily on visitor satisfaction. To that end, training programs will be launched to improve customer service skills, operational efficiency, and sustainability practices among hospitality providers, tour guides, and other frontline staff.

A vital component of the strategy involves capacity building for the local workforce, encouraging youth participation, and providing opportunities for women and marginalized groups to benefit from tourism. The plan aims to foster entrepreneurship through technical training, small business support, and public-private partnerships.

Gakh’s tourism strategy aligns closely with global best practices in sustainable tourism development. By emphasizing low-impact, high-value travel experiences, the district seeks to protect its natural heritage while ensuring that economic gains are distributed fairly across local communities. Environmental sustainability will be maintained through responsible waste management, conservation policies, and the promotion of eco-certification for tourism enterprises.

Moreover, the integration of local communities into the planning and execution stages ensures that development remains culturally sensitive and socially inclusive. Through regular engagement, the plan intends to maintain transparency, build trust, and foster a sense of ownership among residents.

One of the key priorities discussed during the meeting was improving access to Gakh. Representatives from Azerbaijan Railways and the Azerbaijan Land Transport Agency explored ways to increase transport options for tourists. Plans include extending rail services, upgrading existing routes, and introducing tourist shuttle services from major hubs like Baku and Sheki.

These efforts aim to reduce travel time, ensure safe and convenient transit, and support seamless integration with broader national tourism circuits.

The June 13 meeting marked a milestone in multi-stakeholder coordination. All participating institutions reaffirmed their dedication to the shared vision of developing Gakh’s tourism sector through transparency, cooperation, and innovation. The working group is expected to meet regularly to review progress, address challenges, and adapt the plan based on evolving circumstances and feedback from the field.

By promoting a collaborative governance model, the plan demonstrates how public institutions, private enterprises, and local communities can work together to build a destination that is not only economically viable but also environmentally and culturally sustainable.

With the launch of this forward-looking development plan, Gakh is poised to join the ranks of Azerbaijan’s leading destinations. As the country continues to diversify its tourism offerings beyond Baku and other well-known cities, regions like Gakh present a new frontier for immersive travel experiences rooted in authenticity, nature, and tradition.

The success of the Gakh Tourism Development Plan could serve as a replicable model for other districts seeking to develop their tourism sectors in a strategic and inclusive way. With clear goals, united stakeholders, and an unwavering focus on sustainability, Gakh’s tourism journey has entered an exciting new chapter—one that promises long-lasting impact for both visitors and the community.