Ilham Aliyev reviewed the 12th Azerbaijan International Travel & Tourism Fair (AITF-2013)

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and his wife Mehriban Aliyeva have reviewed the 12th Azerbaijan International Travel & Tourism Fair (AITF-2013) and the 7th Caucasus International Hospitality Exhibition HOREX Caucasus 2013, both being held in Baku.

Culture and Tourism Minister Abulfaz Garayev informed the head of state and his wife that a number of important events held to demonstrate Azerbaijan’s tourist potential in recent years had further enhanced the interest in this field. In this respect, the traditional annual Azerbaijan International Tourism and Travel Fair and the Caucasus International Hospitality held in Baku have played a special role.

It was noted that the AITF exhibition, the largest specialized tourism industry event in Azerbaijan and the whole of the South Caucasus region, has been received with great interest from the very beginning and gained tremendous authority. That is why the number of exhibition participants has been increasing every year.

It was brought to the President’s attention that a number of airlines and travel agencies were represented at the exhibition both as part of national groups and with individual stands. The Turkish Airlines, the China Southern Airlines, Kazakhstan’s Air Astana, Slovenia’s Adria Airways, Greece’s Aegean Airlines and other airlines are participating in the show with their own stands.

The head of state and his wife reviewed the exhibition pavilions.

During familiarization with the section "Recreation in Azerbaijan", President Ilham Aliyev and his wife were informed that it dwells upon climatic conditions, natural resources and multinational culture of the country’s regions. The exhibition features stands on the best known resort areas, hotels and holiday centers of cities and regions.

President Ilham Aliyev and his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva were familiarized with the stand of the Turkish company Tanay.

It was noted that the company has successfully operated in Azerbaijan for six years. It manufactures high-quality products and provides 70 per cent of hotels in Azerbaijan with them.

During familiarization with the stand of the German company Wanzi, it was noted that the main focus of the company, which was participating in the exhibition for the first time, was the production of equipment for hotels, holiday complexes and supermarkets. The company is considered to be the world leader in this field and its products are known for high quality.

The head of state and his wife also reviewed the stand of Swiss company Franke. It was noted that the company, which appeared on the Azerbaijani market eight years ago, manufactures equipment for various purposes for the public facilities of the country. Along with Switzerland, the company products are made in Italy, Germany and Austria.

Another stand the President of Azerbaijan and his wife reviewed is owned by the German company Mühldorfer. It was noted that this company is one of the world's leading producers of bed linen. Operating since 1920, the company provides bedding to numerous hotels and hotel complexes around the world. The company's products are of high quality and comfort.

During familiarization with the stand of the Austrian company Kny Design, it was indicated that the company enjoyed tremendous respect in the world in the field of lighting design and decorative lighting. The company implements extensive lighting design projects.

President Ilham Aliyev and his wife Mehriban Aliyeva were informed about the family recreation complex AF Hotel-Aqua Park. It was noted that this complex, located on the coast of the Caspian Sea, is a center of family recreation unparalleled not only in Azerbaijan but also in the South Caucasus. Since the start of its operations the complex has become a favorite recreation center both for foreign visitors and for local residents. Visitors can take advantage of high-level hotel, entertainment and sports services here.

It was reported that AF Hotel-Aqua Park organizes tours to the capital and districts of Azerbaijan.

During familiarization with the national stand of Indonesia, President Ilham Aliyev and his wife were informed of the country's tourism potential. It was noted that Indonesia was participating in the exhibition for the second time.

The President and his wife were also acquainted with the national stand of the United Arab Emirates. President Ilham Aliyev was provided with information about the tourism potential of the country, in particular of Dubai. It was noted that the opening of a direct flight from Baku to Dubai was expanding the opportunities for mutual tourist flow.

During familiarization with the national stand of Turkey, it was noted that this country was represented in the exhibition quite extensively. The various stands of Turkish companies dwell upon the country’s travel destinations and its tourism infrastructure. It was stressed that the number of tourists coming from Turkey to Azerbaijan had increased in recent years. Representatives of Turkish travel companies attach great importance to the international exhibition held in Azerbaijan.

The President and his wife were also familiarized with the national stands of Bulgaria, Slovenia and Montenegro.
President Ilham Aliyev and his wife Mehriban Aliyeva wished the exhibition every success.

This year's AITF-2013 exhibition brings together 251 companies from 35 countries around the world. These companies represent more than 60 spheres. The active participation of many countries with their national stands has already become a tradition. The current exhibition features a record number of countries with their national stands - 20. Among them are permanent members of the exhibition – the national groups of Turkey, Russia, Georgia, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, the United Arab Emirates, Slovenia and Egypt. The national groups of France, Hungary, Indonesia, Iran, Montenegro, Morocco, the Crimean Autonomous Republic of Ukraine, Thailand and Tunisia are participating in this exhibition for the first time.

The exhibition, organized by ITE Group plc and its partner Iteca Caspian with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Azerbaijan, will last until 6 April.