Baku, Fineko/abc.az. The Azerbaijani Ministry of Culture and Tourism ascertains stability of the  tourist sector in 2009, despite  crisis situation.

Azerbaijani Minister of Culture and Tourism Abulfas Garayev said that 1.3 million of tourists visited Azerbaijan over nine months of 2009.

“There are no losses in quantity of tourists, arriving in Azerbaijan, but growth is not observed. It is naturally, because that tourist industry experience strong crisis,   only now is restored. We believe that the number of tourists, visiting Azerbaijan, will grow over forthcoming years,” minister said.

In accordance with statistical data, Azerbaijani tourist industry increased by 0.3% over first half year.

In January to June, 2009, a number of tourist arrivals increased by 309 persons as compared to similar period of last year, reached 783,208 persons.

In accordance with official data, income of tourist activity in Azerbaijan for 2008 is indicated in the amount of $190 million, but according to A. Garayev, the figure does not reflect all expenses of tourists, because an average tourist spends some $700-750 - on living, food, purchase of souvenirs and so on, thus, profit from tourist sphere exceeds $600 million.

In 2008, a number of visitors to Azerbaijan made up 1.898 million, including 1.408 million men are considered tourists.

05.01.2010 15:07