AZE.US
As the summer travel season begins, many Azerbaijanis are again weighing a familiar question: is it cheaper to vacation inside the country or travel abroad?
The answer is no longer as obvious as it once was.
According to offers from tourism companies, domestic travel packages in Azerbaijan average 100 to 150 manats ($59 to $88) per person for one night and one day. A 10-day holiday can therefore cost about 1,000 to 2,000 manats ($588 to $1,176).
For some foreign destinations, 10-day packages are offered at around 850 to 1,700 manats ($500 to $1,000).
That means the gap between domestic and foreign travel has narrowed sharply, especially for nearby destinations.
Turkey, Georgia or Azerbaijan’s regions
Turkey remains one of the most popular choices for Azerbaijani tourists. Ten-day packages to Turkey, including airfare, are being offered for about 1,000 to 1,500 manats ($588 to $882).
At the same time, trips to Azerbaijani regions such as Guba, Gusar, Sheki and other destinations can also exceed 1,000 manats ($588) for 10 days.
Some travelers say that, at current prices, going abroad may offer better value.
“We already travel around our own country from time to time,” one resident said. “There are almost no discounts for locals. Prices rise artificially in summer. Some foreign destinations, especially Turkey and Georgia, can be more affordable.”
Demand grows for liberated territories
Tourism experts say demand has increased both for foreign trips and travel within Azerbaijan.
In addition to Turkey, popular foreign destinations include Egypt, the Greek island of Crete and Montenegro.
Inside Azerbaijan, interest is also rising in trips to the liberated territories. Travel to Lachin, Kalbajar, Khankendi, Shusha and Zangilan is attracting growing attention, according to industry representatives.
Experts say the number of people planning trips to Azerbaijan’s regions has increased compared with previous years.
Airfare and regional tensions affect choices
International political developments and regional tensions are also affecting travel decisions.
Higher airfares and changes in flight routes have forced some travelers to reconsider plans for foreign holidays and choose domestic destinations instead.
Still, for nearby destinations such as Turkey and Georgia, foreign packages continue to compete directly with local resorts.
For many families, the final decision now depends not only on price but also on service quality, transport options, accommodation and the desire for a different travel experience.
Tourism specialists expect demand to remain strong this summer for both domestic and foreign travel.
AZE.US