Ankara, April 16, AZERTAC“In recent years, Azerbaijan has experienced significant growth in its tourism sector, driven by complex measures implemented under President Ilham Aliyev’s leadership. Unlocking the tourism potential of the liberated territories in Garabagh and East Zangezur marks a new and strategic stage of this progress,” said Fuad Naghiyev, Chairman of the State Tourism Agency, as he addressed the 7th International Congress on Travel and Tourism Dynamics Congress held in Ankara.According to him, the liberated territories boast rich potential for the development of cultural, health and thermal tourism destinations, as well as ecotourism.Nagiyev underlined that tourism is designated as a key pillar of the tourism development strategy in the "I State Program on the Great Return of the Liberated territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan" approved by the President of Azerbaijan. Highlighting the role of Turkic states in the development of tourism in Garabagh, Naghiyev said establishing joint tourism routes, first of all, the “Turkic world tourism route”, can open up broad opportunities for the region. The Chairman of the State Tourism Agency also noted that expanding transport and connectivity across the Middle Corridor, alongside developing joint tour packages and enhancing air links, could significantly increase the region's accessibility.Naghiyev emphasized that projects based on shared cultural heritage and values can transform Garabagh into more than just a tourist destination, positioning it as a common cultural platform for the Turkic world. Ramin Abdullayev Special correspondent