Bahar Rustamova

THE ROLE OF THE COMMUNITY IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM IN AZERBAIJAN: THE CONTEXT OF SHEKI AND ZAQATALA DISTRICTS

Abstract

Today, tourism—regarded worldwide as a phenomenon of the 21st century—has become one of people’s basic needs. In order to adapt to a changing and evolving way of life, people regularly feel the need to move away from places to which they are accustomed. This creates conditions for people around the world to travel from one place to another for various purposes. In such cases, the necessity arises to develop certain services at destinations in order to welcome these people—that is, real tourists—provide accommodation, and ensure that they spend their leisure time efficiently.

The sources of these services, which are aimed at meeting tourists’ needs, may vary and include large, medium, and small entrepreneurs, local residents, local government bodies, and others. Each of these parties is a stakeholder interested in the development of tourism. The article conducts a study focusing on one of these stakeholders—local residents, that is, communities—and examines their attitudes toward tourism and the roles they play in it.

The research was carried out using a survey method with 21 representatives of local communities living in the Shaki and Zagatala districts who provide various services to tourists. The results were analyzed, the local population’s attitudes toward tourism and their expectations from tourism in both districts were assessed, and the role of the community in tourism development and its future prospects were identified.