An Empirical Evaluation of Tourism Policy and Planning: The Case of Azerbaijan

In today’s globalized world, tourism has become a preferred socio-economic sector and a vehicle for development. Tourism, as any other industry, has its own advantages and disadvantages; therefore, it’s planning and management is essential and a formidable mechanism for its sustainability at present and for the future generations. Its highly dependency on quality of social, cultural and environmental resources is a logical argument for utilization of particular and adaptive planning system. Within this framework, this study has aimed to investigate and explore the processes and problems of tourism planning system in the Republic of Azerbaijan. This study is first of its kind that focuses on Azerbaijan’s tourism policy and planning knowing the fact that country is blessed with historical, cultural and natural resources that can attract tourists in all seasons. In the meantime, tourism in Azerbaijan is a new economic activity with great potential to contribute to the economic and social development of the country. For the purpose of this study, which is an examination of tourism policy and planning processes, a qualitative research approach has been employed. 24 interview questions of semi-structured and open ended nature were applied. Interview questions were extrapolated from tourism planning and development literature with a focus on sustainably dimension. Various planning models were examined to finalize the interview questions. Over 20 respondents from different institutions either directly or indirectly were aware and knowledgeable of tourism system and challenges were interviewed. Data collection and analysis adhered to all the principles of qualitative study. Interviewees were targeted based on convenience/purposive sampling which is highly appropriate for this type of research (Bryman, 2012). Data analysis conducted by applying Atlas-ti software, version 7 (http://atlasti.com/free-trial-version/). Study revealed that despite an awareness of significance of sustainably in tourism, as well as, a planning system adaptable to the case of Azerbaijan; the planning and policy processes for tourism in Azerbaijan suffers from lack of specialized planners, ad hoc approach to tourism management and development, lack of a clear strategy, and absence of practical sustainability principles in tourism. Study also revealed that Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism is not equipped with a long term plan for the country and lacks awareness of the complicated nature of tourism. Findings exposed that the approach to tourism development is mainly based on short termism. Further recommendations, implications and limitations are provided in this study. Keywords: Tourism policy, tourism planning, sustainable tourism, tourism strategies, tourism projects, case of Azerbaijan.