/By AzerNews/

By Amina Nazarli

Azerbaijan, well considering the harmony of the East and the West, seeks to develop tourism in the country.

The investment in the national tourism is increasing, noted Culture and Tourism Minister Abulfaz Garayev at the event dedicated to the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Culture and Tourism Ministry.

Today Azerbaijan is one of the most visited countries in the region, attracting tourists with the blue sea, mountains of delicious fruit, exquisite cuisine, hospitable people and such a varied nature.

Land of Fire reached significant promotions in tourism sector, improving the image of the country in the international arena.

The country hosts a series of both luxury and 2-3 stars hotels, which now number 530 across the country currently.

Some 2.5 million people from foreign countries visited Azerbaijan every year, the minister said.

The national parks, providing a vast collection of beauties particularly the wildlife of the country, are among Azerbaijan’s main tourist attractions, since some 75,000 tourists visited the parks last year.

Every year the ministry organizes several events across the world, promoting the rich samples of Azerbaijani culture with colorful dances, delicious cuisines and ancient history.

Annually, several exhibitions and concerts, including Days of Azerbaijani Culture give the opportunity for the foreigners to get acquainted with the traditions and history of Land of Fire.

The minister also praised the Heydar Aliyev Foundation for the exceptional work done to develop the Azerbaijani culture during the past 10 years.

Museums are one of the first places that tourists are anticipated to visit in any country and the minister said Azerbaijani museums have entered a new stage of development.

Baku is also famous with its grand museums of history, literature, music, culture and modern art. Earlier, the symbol of Baku --the Maiden Tower-- won the award of “European Museum of the Year 2015” competition.