World economic crisis to reduce tourist inflow to Azerbaijan

"The global economic crisis has damaged the tourism sector as well.

Earlier the world tourism flow fixed 6-7% rise, yet in late last year the damage caused by the economic crisis has reduced this indicator to 2-3%.

For this reason the world tourism development is planned to be 2-3% this year, said Minister of Culture and Tourism Abulfas Garayev.

He said the financial crisis will also affect the number of tourist, arriving in Azerbaijan. Late last year the number of tourists, visiting Azerbaijan, was predicted to rise 17% this year, yet now this indicator is expected to be 10-12%.

"Naturally, it will be difficult for us to reach the 17% growth this year. The global economic crisis has affected the incomes of foreign citizens and therefore, the number of tours will drop".

Abulfaz Garayec considers that holding international events and strengthening tourism potential PR campaigns, the countries may raise the number of tourists and the Ministry will try to attain it.

/APA/