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Laman Ismayilova

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Baku State Vocational Education Centre of Tourism and Social Services and the "CASA Baku" Culinary School have launched the first pilot group of students in the culinary speciality, Azernews reports.

The graduation ceremony took place at Ateshgah Fire Temple with representatives from the State Agency for Vocational Education under the Ministry of Science and Education, the Baku State Vocational Education Centre of Tourism and Social Services, as well as the "CASA Baku" Culinary School in attendance.

Chairman of the State Tourism Agency, Fuad Nagiyev, addressed the event.

In his speech, he emphasised that the development of gastronomic tourism is one of the country's primary focusses, adding that extensive work is being done to preserve the examples of the national cuisine and promote Azerbaijan as a gastronomic destination worldwide.

"The development of gastronomic tourism is one of the priority areas for our country. Extensive work is being done to preserve examples of our national cuisine and promote Azerbaijan as a gastronomic destination worldwide," he said.

Chairman of the State Tourism Agency also pointed out that the national cuisine samples had been passported by the State Tourism Agency, and the country's biodiversity potential had been integrated into agro-gastro tourism routes.

"The State Tourism Agency has passported samples of the national cuisine, and the country's biodiversity potential has been integrated into agro-gastro tourism routes. Additionally, the training of professional chefs and the development and specialisation of young cooks have been supported. The establishment of a pilot training group for chefs is also one of such projects. This programme is invaluable experience for the professional development of young cooks," he underlined.

Following this, a video showcasing the one-year culinary training program was presented.

It was mentioned that there has been no tertiary level education for the culinary specialty in Azerbaijan until now; therefore, the State Tourism Agency, in collaboration with the State Agency for Vocational Education, the Baku Tourism Vocational School, and the "CASA Baku" Culinary School, created this pilot group.

Within the framework of the project, 18 students with special skills received vocational training in culinary specialities. Experts from the "CASA Baku" Culinary School, as well as other local and foreign specialists, were involved in the training process.

During the event, diplomas were awarded to the 18 graduates of the first pilot group. They handed over chef jackets to the members of the second pilot group. It was also reported that there are plans to establish a faculty in higher education institutions in Azerbaijan for the culinary speciality in the future.

At the event, a dinner menu prepared by the graduates of the pilot group was presented to the guests in a modern style.

Note that gastronomic tourism has become one of the fastest growing innovative tourism sectors, which positively impacts the economy and fosters entrepreneurship.

Another advantage of gastronomic tourism is that it can be a great way to explore new cultures and experience authentic local cuisines.

World-famed for its food, Azerbaijan is now taking decisive steps in the gastronomic tourism world. The country offers a wide variety of gastronomic opportunities.

The country has been consistently working to promote the country's culinary heritage through a number of initiatives.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @lmntypewriterrr

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