13:18 - 18.04.2023

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April 18, Fineko/abc.az. "The fact that the land borders remain closed for more than three years is damaging many industries - the economy and, most importantly, the tourism sector. If Azerbaijan wants to receive more income from tourism, it must definitely open its land borders. The closure of the land borders between Azerbaijan and Russia prevents the influx of tourists. Due to the high cost of air transport, tourists who choose Azerbaijan for recreation are forced to change direction," ABC.AZ reports, quoting expert economist Natig Jafarli.

According to Jafarli, despite the fact that there are 27 flights from Russia to Azerbaijan by air during the day, the prices are very high. During the period when the land borders are closed, tourists remain dependent on air transport. If the land borders are opened, this will lead to lower prices for air transportation. And under the current conditions, AZAL dictates prices. As a result, Azerbaijani tourism is being damaged:

"Everyone knows that the closure of the Azerbaijani-Georgian border is not related to the pandemic. The countries of the world have long since abolished the quarantine regime. The strictest measures against COVID 19 were taken in China. Since January they have lifted all prohibitions and opened land borders. The official authorities are obliged to make public the reason why the borders remain closed. Maybe there really is a good reason that we don't know about. They can say in general terms, without details, for what reason they do not open the borders. If security is at the heart of the problem, this is also not logical. The security agencies and law enforcement agencies of this State are able to prevent any risks and provocations. Border closures are not a security measure. Why the government is pulling so hard, I can't understand. If the reason is to increase the revenues of five-star hotels operating in the country and AZAL, then there are no improvements in this area either. The closure of land borders for more than 3 years, whatever the reason, means a violation of the constitutional rights of citizens."