Azerbaijan's natural reserves attract 432,000 paid visitors in eight months

Some 432,000 people visited Azerbaijan's nature reserves after purchasing tickets in January-August this year, Murad Aghabayli, Chairman of the Board of the State Tourism Agency's Reserve Management Center, said during a media tour of the Mud Volcanoes Tourism Complex, according to Report.

"At the same time, nearly 100,000 people visited without purchasing tickets, meaning free of charge. Foreign tourists accounted for 71% of those who visited after purchasing tickets. This is a fairly high figure. For example, at the Mud Volcanoes Tourism Complex, around 93-94% of visitors are foreigners. However, at other reserves, such as the Yukhari Bash reserve in Shaki, foreigners account for around 50% of visitors," he said.

According to Aghabayli, the Mud Volcanoes Tourism Complex has become one of the most visited tourist attractions in recent years.

"Thousands of tourists visit the volcanoes throughout the year and explore the facilities created here. The complex features a Tourism Information Center, venues for master classes, pottery and painting workshops, as well as an exhibition hall displaying various mineral rocks, a natural history exhibition hall and other attractions," he said.