Azernews.Az

By Aygul Salmanova

More people visit the Shahdag ski resort of Gusar, Azerbaijan's first and largest winter resort, after the region witnesses heavy snowfall.

The abundance of snow in the northern region has had a serious impact on the number of tourists coming to the region. Over the past three days, the Gusar region has been visited by tourists 3-4 more than in ordinary days.

As many as 90 percent of hotels and guest houses in the region were pre-ordered, Gusar tourism Information Center told Azertac. In addition to snowy weather, current winter holiday in educational institutions also contribute to this growth.

The number of tourists visiting Shahdag tourist center located in Gusar is also increasing, according to Gulnar Mustafayeva, Head of the Public Relations Department of the Tourism Center. She said that complex weekly receives between 600-1,000 guests every weekday. On Saturdays and Sundays, this figure rises to 2,500-3,500 people.

Tourists, who cannot find a place in hotels, apply to local residents engaged in home tourism.

Foreign tourists visiting the complex are predominantly from Russia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. Foreign guests are more interested in ecotourism.

Called “Northern Gates” due to its geographical location and located 180 km away from Baku, Gusar is the last large region in the north of Azerbaijan.

Favorable natural conditions create a great opportunity for organization of the resorts, recreational and tourist complexes in this area. The recently opened Shahdag winter and summer tourist complex has gained a high popularity both among Azerbaijanis and foreigners. This is a popular ski resort in winter and a camp site in the lap of the Caucasus Mountains in summer.

Not far from the complex is located an ancient village Laza surrounded by mountains and well known for its majestic waterfalls. Competitions on climbing are held at the frozen waterfalls in winter here.

Many historical monuments are preserved in Gusar. Around the region, one can also find carpet weaving, handicraft embroidery, wood engraving, and souvenir shopping.

Gusar has all the conditions necessary for ecological tourism, and here tourists might observe historical monuments and samples of folk art in the village of Anig, as well as become familiar with samples of folk art and the traditions of the local population.

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