Number of tourists to grow 25% – gov’t

The number of tourists visiting Azerbaijan is expected to grow this year compared to 2004, according to the ministry of youth, sports and tourism.

“1.3 million foreign citizens visited the country last year, including 750,000 tourists. We anticipate that their number will increase 20-25% this year”, an expert from the ministry said.

The ministry representatives assess the mentioned increase as a ‘good indicator’, the same source said.

Every tourist spends about $800 on average per week of his stay in Azerbaijan.

173 tourism companies and 245 hotels are operating in the country, the ministry expert added.