The role of the community in the development of tourism in Azerbaijan: the example of Sheki and Zagatala regions

Local communities play a pivotal role in shaping tourism development, significantly influencing its growth and sustainability. A study focusing on Azerbaijan's Sheki and Zagatala regions revealed that the engagement of local populations—through services like rural guesthouses—directly impacts tourist experiences and regional tourism prospects. While Sheki, closer to the capital, benefits from higher tourist numbers, Zagatala, with its natural beauty, faces challenges in leveraging its potential. The research, involving 21 community representatives, identified key issues in hospitality services and proposed solutions to enhance quality. Comparatively analyzing community attitudes and expectations in both regions, the study underscores the importance of stakeholder collaboration—including local entrepreneurs, governments, and residents—in fostering sustainable tourism development.

Ismayılova Mahammad, P., Isfandiyarova Fızulı, U., & Alizada Asadullah, N. (2025). The role of the community in the development of tourism in Azerbaijan: the example of Sheki and Zagatala regions. II. International Turkic World Young Academicians Congress 2025, 95–104. https://doi.org/10.37609/akya.3803.c22