Research on determining tourist potential in Ismailli (Azerbaijan) region

Tourism is a rapidly growing sector that contributes greatly to the culture, society and economy of Azerbaijan as well as the other countries in the world. Considering that employment and job opportunities are mostly available in industrial cities and towns, it can be said that people are in search of change by getting bored with crowds, daily standards and rush. Therefore, they prefer places that are peaceful and quiet, also intertwined with nature activities. For this reason, gradually it has been necessary to create places and tourist routes that would bring people together with nature, history and different cultures. Recently, tourism in the world is a value to develop and revitalize the economies of states or to realize different projects, and they apply it by turning it into an opportunity. The Study Case of the research was chosen Ismayilli district of Azerbaijan. Being a part of historical Shirvan Lands, the İsmayıllı Region was established in the mid-southern part of Azerbaijan, in the southern foothills of South Caucasus Mountain, Ganih- Alazan-Ayriçay Valley in 1931. The territory with a total forest area of 66,799 hectares is very rich in nature with clay reserves, mineral springs, lakes and waterfalls. Due to being the common living area of the various ethnic groups throughout history, the region has a rich cultural history, the background of craftsmanship and cuisine. Ismayilli is a rich region in terms of ecological, historical and, cultural aspects. The increase in the number of tourists coming to Ismayilli in recent years has made a great contribution to the economy of the local people in the villages of the region. For this reason, besides various eco-tours and touristic activities, different art activities are started to implement. The aim of the research is to investigate the current situation of tourism in order to reveal the tourism potential in the province of Ismayilli, to determine the types of tourism that can be developed in the region, and to reveal the effect of tourism on regional development. Based on the example of Ismayilli, another aim of the study is to examine the contribution of tourism to the country's economy, its role in regional development and its effects. It has been not found any studies in the literature about the development potential of tourism in the Ismayilli region of Azerbaijan, its impact on regional development and economy. This research reveals the academic importance of the current study. In line with the qualitative research method, documentation review, interview and observation methods were used in the data collection phase of the study. In the conclusion of the study, the types of tourism that can be developed in the Ismayilli region of Azerbaijan have been revealed and suggestions have been given to contribute to the development of tourism in the region. In order to determine the types of tourism that can be developed, the findings obtained from the research and interview forms about the region were taken into account. In accordance with obtaining results: The region is suitable for the development of tourism types such as Cultural Tourism, Ethnic Tourism, Gastronomy Tourism, Health Tourism, Eco-Tourism, Rural and Agro Tourism. The ancient history of the Ismayilli region, its rich culture, nature with its unique beauty, its location, the comfortable living of different minorities by preserving their own culture and traditions for centuries, and other many important factors allow the development of the mentioned types of tourism. Keywords: İsmayıllı, tourism, regional development, alternative tourism