DOI: https://doi.org/10.36719/2789-6919/44/147-151
Nihad Hadıyev
Azerbaijan Tourism and Management University
Master student
https://orcid.org/0009-0000-9356-6668
nihad.hadiyevaz@gmail.com
The Impact of the Pandemic and the Recovery of the Tourism
Sector in Azerbaijan
Abstract
This article analyzes the multifaceted effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism sector in Azerbaijan, as well as the recovery and recreational measures implemented during the post-pandemic years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, globally enforced travel sanctions, suspension of international mobility, quarantine regimes and social distancing rules severely impacted the tourism industry in Azerbaijan, bringing it to a standstill. Significant declines and stagnation were observed particularly in both inbound and domestic tourism. This, in turn, had negative effects on the country’s social and economic life.The article also examines the support packages implemented by the government to revive the tourism sector-including investment aid, concessions, and tax exemptions. Approved strategic plans and missions identified for future progress are presented in the context of emerging proposals in the post-pandemic period.Another important part of the article is devoted to the new tourism trends that emerged after the pandemic-such as health tourism, solo travel, ecotourism, and digitalization and the extent to which Azerbaijan has adapted to these changes. Finally, the article explores the necessary decisions that should be made to promote the future development of the tourism sector, cooperation opportunities with the global tourism market, and long-term development strategies.
Keywords: tourism, pandemic, COVID-19, Azerbaijani tourism, health tourism, tourism sector, government support, new tourism trends