WB: Azerbaijan holds major tourism investment opportunities – EXCLUSIVE

Azerbaijan has significant investment opportunities to fully realize its tourism potential, Rolande Pryce, World Bank's (WB) Regional Director for the South Caucasus, told Report.

"It is not possible to express the required investment volume in exact figures. However, Azerbaijan has major investment opportunities. The government is already taking important steps in this direction, and several international luxury hotel brands have been attracted to the country. Diversifying tourism products will help bring in new investments, increase employment, and accelerate economic growth," Pryce noted.

She stressed that tourism investment should not be limited to Baku: "The country's tourism potential covers nature, winter tourism, hiking routes, and cultural heritage. Developing small hotels, family-style guesthouses, restaurants, guide services, and other infrastructure in the regions can create wide opportunities for new investments. As essential for comfortable and safe travel of tourists are established, investor interest will also grow."