BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 29. The American
Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan (AmCham) has recommended
integrating the international Green Key sustainability
certification into the national hotel classification system in its
report, Trend
reports.
According to the White Paper, this will promote sustainable
development initiatives in the hotel industry and strengthen the
country’s position as an eco-friendly tourism destination.
“It is recommended to integrate Green Key into the national
hotel classification system. Implementation can be phased, with
hotels receiving support to meet certification criteria,” the
AmCham report said.
The report emphasized that operating and furnishing equipment
(OS&E and FF&E) used in hotels is subject to customs
duties, increasing the financial burden on owners and reducing
investment in infrastructure and guest service. AmCham recommended
exempting OS&E and FF&E from customs duties, which they
believe will support the development of the hotel sector and
attract international investors.
Furthermore, to stimulate investment in the hotel industry,
AmCham proposed reducing property taxes and introducing a full tax
exemption for newly built or renovated properties.
“This will encourage further investment in the hospitality
sector, leading to improved service quality and increased
competitiveness in the international market,” the report noted.
The report also recommended introducing visa waivers or
simplified procedures for key tourism markets, which will increase
tourist flow, improve hotel occupancy rates, and strengthen the
country’s position as a leading tourism destination.
AmCham particularly emphasized hosting Formula 1 and other major
events.
“Formula 1 has proven to be a major source of tourism and
international promotion. However, the current contract is
time-limited, and its potential discontinuation poses a risk to the
tourism sector. It is proposed to extend the Formula 1 contract and
actively seek similar large-scale events to maintain the country’s
status as a premier event destination. This will ensure long-term
benefits for the hospitality sector,” the report said.
Another key recommendation from AmCham is the establishment of a
National Tourism Promotion Fund, which will be financed by a small
percentage of all hotels and restaurants in the country. The fund’s
finances are used for international marketing campaigns promoting
Azerbaijan in foreign tourism markets.
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