The effect of tourism on economic growth and employment: An analysis on Azerbaijan

Tourism, which is one of the fastest growing sectors today, is considered as an important economic resource for many countries. In addition to making a significant contribution to the country's GDP, the tourism sector also has an impact on the prevention of unemployment, regional development and foreign exchange earnings. Any growth in the tourism sector has a direct impact on the country's economy. In this context, tourism is considered as an economic category in the scientific studies of foreign researchers. The aim of this study is to examine the socio-economic structure of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the light of available data and to determine the impact of tourism on economic growth and employment and the development potential of the country in terms of tourism. For this purpose, in this study, information is given on basic subjects such as tourism, tourism and economy relationship, the effect of tourism on the balance of payments, the effect of tourism on income, the sectoral effect of tourism, the share of tourism in GDP, the effect of tourism on employment, and the Azerbaijan economy and tourism sector, the strategic road map for tourism. In addition, statistical data were used to analyze the economic development of tourism in Azerbaijan and to determine the tourism potential. Finally, a SWOT analysis of Azerbaijan's tourism potential was made and the country's strengths and weaknesses in terms of tourism were determined. According to the results of the analysis, despite the strong tourism potential of Azerbaijan, the opportunities are not used sufficiently, the hotels in the country are predominantly four and five star hotels and the prices are high, the inadequate organization of the promotion of the country and the lack of marketing activities, the weak aspects of the country in terms of tourism and the threats arising therefrom. It was concluded that necessary strategies should be developed.