Evaluation of mountaineering sport in terms of tourism effect: The case of Azerbaijan

Industrialization and urbanization cause some negative effects on people. For getting rid of various negative consequences such as the occurrence of some diseases, decrease of productivity, decrease of work force performance and increasing the quality of life people are turning to tourism activities. Tourism has a significant role in the economic, social and environmental developments of the countries as long as it is not managed properly, it can have negative effects. To get rid of or to reduce these negative effects the concept of sustainability has been put forward. Sustainable tourism aims to improve the quality of life of today's community as well as future generations by protecting natural and cultural assets. With the futures of protection of natural and cultural wealth, economic and social benefits, protection of the needs of local people, the most important features of sustainable tourism is being for the future. In terms of sustainable economic development and environmental protection, mountains have an important factor and offer incredible opportunities. Mountains and other natural environments represent adventure escape places. For those looking for adrenaline in a free way, the importance of the mountains should not be overlooked. Mountain tourism includes all sports in mountainous areas, whether individual or collective. Mountain climbing and walks have a wide range such as winter sports activities ,skiing and snowboarding, mountain biking, paragliding, sailing, hunting, bird watching. The aim of this study is to determine the potential of mountain tourism in Azerbaijan, to reveal the problems for the evaluation and development of mountain tourism in terms of Azerbaijan and to produce solutions.