Nazim Samadov, Azerbaijan’s Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism, and Dr. Christian Göke, COO Messe Berlin, signing the ITB Berlin Convention partnership agreement with Azerbaijan for 2013.

As the Convention & Culture Partner of ITB Berlin 2013, Azerbaijan will be providing a link between Asia and Europe with a varied programme. Located between the Caspian Sea and the Caucasus, this country is attending ITB Berlin to introduce its natural attractions and rich culture, as well as to promote itself as vacation destination.

Azerbaijan is also strongly represented in the discussions about its economic development at the ITB Berlin Convention.

In addition to the oil industry, which is already a major economic factor, the country is also focusing their attention on developing tourism. Azerbaijan declared 2011 as the Year of Tourism, and the advances being made with the country’s tourism infrastructure are already evident. New hotels have been constructed and special laws have been proposed to encourage the development of tourism.

This year is expected to see the completion of one of the largest tourism projects, the construction of the Shahdag ski region.

ITB Berlin Convention, www.itb-kongress.com