DOI: https://doi.org/10.36719/2663-4619/125/123-130
Amin Sadigov
Baku Business University
Master’s student
https://orcid.org/0009-0009-6516-283X
aminsadiqov938@gmail.com
Analysis of Competitive Opportunities and Theoretical and
Methodological Foundations in the Azerbaijani Tourism Market
Abstract
Tourism and regional development research primarily examine how tourism contributes to regional growth and whether it leads to balanced or unbalanced development. Much of the research focuses on reducing regional inequalities and creating job opportunities. While tourism is widely recognized as an important factor in regional development, there is a lack of solid theoretical frameworks that clearly explain how regional development and tourism are interconnected. This gap is particularly evident in the divide between theoretical concepts and real-world applications in the field.
Many studies rely on regional economic theories or consumer choice models, but they often fall short of developing comprehensive theoretical frameworks or providing solid theoretical backing for their findings.
The development of tourism in rural or underdeveloped regions is seen as a strategy to reduce economic disparities between more developed and less developed areas. By attracting new resources, creating jobs, and boosting income, tourism can promote growth across various sectors of the regional economy. In this way, tourism development plays a role in diminishing economic imbalances between regions. However, expecting rapid tourism development in these areas is not always realistic. Issues such as poor infrastructure, limited investment, a lack of entrepreneurial activity, and insufficient government support for the sector present significant challenges.
In this context, capital accumulation and resource transfer are crucial for investing in tourism development in these regions. As tourism in the area grows, the need for external capital and resources decreases. Therefore, a balanced approach in allocating national resources is essential to ensure sustainable development.
Keywords: tourism, competitiveness, opportunities, research, theoretical-methodological foundations