State Tourism Agency organized a media tour to the village of Sim in Astara on 3 October, where they presented tourism potential and opportunities for ecotourism and agritourism of Sim and introduced village houses, offering guest accommodation, and samples of local cuisine.

There are various ongoing efforts to develop tourism in the regions, establish new destinations and create tourism clusters. The Agency continues to support tourism-oriented activities in the villages and adjacent areas with high potential.

In line with the Action Plant of the ‘Socio-Economic Development Strategy of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2022-2026’, approved by the relevant Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the State Tourism Agency is implementing a project to develop tourism infrastructure in selected villages within the ‘Touristic Village’ concept. The project aims to enhance the visual appeal and infrastructure of villages with the potential to attract tourists, thereby expanding tourism and employment opportunities in the surrounding areas as well.

The ‘Touristic Village’ project envelops the villages of Laza in Gusar, Griz in Guba, Ilisu and Saribash in Qakh, Duruja in Qabala, Ivanovka in Ismayilli, Bibiyani in Lerik and Sim in Astara. The Agency has already assessed tourism potential in Sim, included the village in tourism routes and maps of the southern region and installed direction signboards. Moreover, various projects have been implemented in the village to promote and develop agritourism.

The Agency-supported projects in Sim to develop agritourism and traditional beekeeping, to create model apiaries, to integrate the field into tourist routes, as well as to develop tourism infrastructure and community participation in Sim serve further expansion of the existing tourism potential of the village.

State Tourism Agency has joined hands with various relevant government institutions to run projects aimed at boosting employment in rural areas. These projects included equipping village houses, offering guest accommodation, with necessary facilities, putting together training programs for locals in hospitality, agritourism and guiding, and training local guides.

The Agency has also regularly organised media tours for tourism companies and bloggers to the southern region, including Sim.

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