OREANDA-NEWS. April 23, 2009. Despite the world crisis, the Ministry of Culture & Tourism of Azerbaijan has reported of growth of tourism sector indicators in the country.

Culture & tourism minister Abulfaz Garayev said that today the country is numbering 230 travel agencies and 370 hotels and hotel sites. Following last year quantity of hotels increased by 16.9% compared to 2007. At present 35 hotels are under construction in the country.

“In 2009 State Budget allocated for sector of culture and tourism by 11.7% more than last year and Culture Ministry’s budget expenditures increased 3.7 fold compared to 2006. Investments in construction, restoration and engineering will grow 8 fold. For propaganda of country’s tourism opportunities in the 1st quarter of 2009 alone Azerbaijan has participated in 7 international exhibitions,” Garayev said.

Number of country’s tourists in 2008, compared to 2007, rose by 39.4% up to 1.4 million people.