Annex III to BS/WGCT/R(2024)2

 

ACTION PLAN

OF THE BSEC WORKING GROUP

ON COOPERATION IN TOURISM

1 January 2023 - 31 December 2024

Country-Coordinator: AZERBAIJAN

 

  1. GENERAL OBJECTIVES:

 

The Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization, with its diverse range of initiatives and organizational framework, serves as a valuable platform for facilitating dialogue and cultivating mutual trust among its Member States. This, in turn, paves the way for potential involvement in more ambitious projects.

Guided by Goal 8 in the field of tourism “Development of Tourism, Protection of Cultural Heritage and Promotion of Modern Culture” contained in the BSEC Economic Agenda Towards a Sustainable Future of the Wider Black Sea area”, adopted in 2023, the following general objectives of the Working Group on Tourism are set:

Contributing to the development and strengthening of tourism cooperation and dialogue, aiming to boost the role of tourism in the BSEC region as well as promoting the BSEC Region as one of the prominent global tourism destinations.

 

Discussing the opportunities that arise from the possibility of developing and implementing collaborative projects and initiatives, particularly in the field of tourism education and product development.

Encouraging learning possibilities in the sphere of tourism through collaborative programs among the relevant institutions of the BSEC Member States.

Promoting joint projects on gastronomy and wine tourism, which could enhance the regional dimension of tourism collaboration among the BSEC Member States

Analyzing the possibility of promoting joint marketing campaigns of the BSEC Member States, by participating in international tourism exhibitions, fairs, and festivals, where new tourism packages for the BSEC Region could be promoted.

 

Facilitating the exchange of statistical information and data on tourism activities of the BSEC Member States.

 

Sharing the best national and institutional practices in the development of tourism of the BSEC Member States.

 

Developing partnerships within the initiatives of UNWTO, UNESCO, and other international organizations, aiming to cooperate on diverse aspects of tourism.

 

  1. LIST OF ACTIVITIES AND JOINT PROJECTS:

 

  1. Activities (planned and ongoing)

 

Encouraging the participation of experts from BSEC Member States in conferences, panel discussions, forums and other activities related to development of tourism education and special forms of tourism in the region.

 

Providing a platform for exchanging experience and knowledge to enhance educational programs in the field of tourism education and special interest tourism.

 

Promoting gastronomy tourism opportunities of BSEC region through offline and online platforms and initiatives.

 

Sharing information about significant international tourism exhibitions and other promotional events to be held in their respective countries.

 

Promoting direct contacts between the relevant tourism authorities and associations of the BSEC Member States.

 

 

  1. Joint projects (planned and ongoing)

 

Organizing a conference on tourism education with the involvement of delegates from Tourism Universities of the BSEC Member States, (date and place TBC).

Establishment of a specialized dialogue platform aimed at fostering communication and cooperation among tourism associations within member countries. The platform's main objective is to facilitate the creation of integrated tour packages that specifically emphasize cultural routes, thereby promoting cross-border cultural tourism experiences.

 

Creating a collaborative platform where member countries can exchange and discuss best practices as well as share ideas for promoting sustainability initiatives within the tourism industry.

 

Encouraging cooperation between tourism guide associations to develop certification programs and training initiatives with a specific focus on shared cultural tourism routes.

 

Design of the Project “Joint initiative to promote joint tourist products in Black Sea Region”.

 

Creation of joint tourist products while holding meetings and relevant events on:

  • Gastronomy, wine tourism and film-induced tourism;
  • Cultural tourism;
  • Rural, agro, maritime tourism;
  • Exhibitions, tourism fairs and other events related to active types of tourism;

 

Consideration of the possibility of organizing a Joint Meeting with the Working Group on Culture to undertake other projects on Cultural tourism/ Cultural routes and strengthening the foundation to cooperate with other regional and international partners.

 

  1. MEETINGS OF THE WORKING GROUP

 

  1. 1st WG Meeting, October 25, 2023 – videoconference, presenting the Azerbaijani team and discussing the Action Plan prepared by the Azerbaijani side.
  2. 2nd WG Meeting, second quarter 2024 - (online or offline TBC), exploring a potential platform for discussing the necessary preparations for the tourism industry ahead of the summer season.
  3. 3rd WG meeting, fourth quarter 2024 - videoconference, consideration of the ongoing projects of the BSEC Member States on gastronomy and winter tourism.

 

  1. COOPERATION WITH OTHER BSEC BODIES:

 

            Other Working Groups:

-BSEC Working Group on Culture- Consideration of Cultural tourism/ Cultural routes projects.

-BSEC Working Group on Education- Reviewing educational initiatives and programs in the field of tourism education.

 

  1. COOPERATION WITH BSEC OBSERVERS AND PARTNERS:

 

Sustained partnership with UN Tourism, as demonstrated by numerous cooperative endeavors, projects, and initiatives, should continue to be strengthened and expanded further.

 

To leverage the potential of cultural tourism, the WG will intensify collaboration with the Secretariat of the Enlarged Partial Agreement (EPA) on Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, concerning shared interests in activities and issues.

 

Enhance collaboration with UNESCO regarding the promotion of sustainable tourism education in BSEC countries while preserving cultural heritage and fostering environmental and social responsibility.

 

6.COOPERATION WITH OTHER INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS:

 

Furthermore, the WG, led by the country coordinator Azerbaijan, will continue to foster and expand cooperation with all other interested regional and international organizations.

 

ANNEX I

 

LIST OF REPRESENTATIVES/NATIONAL CONTACT POINTS

 

  1. Jalil MALIKOV

Deputy Chief of Administration- Head of the International Relations Department

The State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan

 

E-mail: jalil.malikov@tourism.gov.az

 

  1. Ms. Sevinj GULIYEVA

 

Head of Division for Cooperation with Foreign Countries, International Relations Department

 

The State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan

 

E-mail: sevinj.guliyeva@tourism.gov.az