Baku, September 5 (AZERTAC). Activity of the Azerbaijan Convention Bureau will give impetus to development of tourism in the country, Azerbaijan's Minister of Culture and Tourism Abulfas Garayev said.

He made the remarks during the first “Open Day” at Azerbaijan Convention Bureau operating under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Addressing the event, the Executive Director of Azerbaijan Convention Bureau Florian Sengstschmid said that the Bureau played an imported role in the presentation of Azerbaijan's tourism potential.

Then, Minister Garayev spoke of the significance of creating the Convention Bureau in Azerbaijan, emphasizing that it plays an important role in increasing the number of tourists.

He stressed that the Convention Bureau has been operating for a year in Azerbaijan and held a number of exhibitions in the country, adding that Azerbaijan is interested in hosting international conferences.

“The volume of expenditures per person coming to Azerbaijan to participate in the conferences more than doubles the expenditures for an ordinary tourist,” he added.

He also noted that tourism opportunities are needed to be used not only in the capital but also in the regions of the country. He called for more works in this regard.

The Bureau was founded to implement the strategy of development of tourism in Azerbaijan. It is engaged in arranging large-scale international events in the country and involves 14 leading companies.

One of the main goals of the Bureau is to create and develop efficient and competitive Azerbaijan Meeting Alliance. Such an alliance will bring together institutions and organizations working in the MICE market of the country, and will help to their development and becoming regional players.

Currently, the Bureau is working with countries around the world, establishing a close relationship with the target markets, participating in all international conferences and seminars including EIBTM and IMEX international business tourism exhibitions, M&I Europe forums, to attract interested MICE market participants to collaboration.

At the same time, the Bureau is holding workshops and training sessions and organizing familiarization tours.