Azerbaijan develops international cooperation in the hospitality sector

Azerbaijan was represented at the 93rd General Assembly of the European Association of Hotels, Restaurants and Cafes (HOTREC) and the 12th General Assembly of the Hotelstars Union (HSU), held on October 12–14 in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania.
Our country was represented by Rashad Aliyev, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of the Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB), and Asmar Shabanova, Executive Director of the Azerbaijan Hotel Association.
Within the framework of the events, discussions focused on the development of the hospitality sector, hotel classification criteria, improving service quality, regulatory and institutional innovations, digitalization, and sustainability. An exchange of views took place among representatives of hotel associations from European countries, and advanced practices as well as cooperation opportunities in the field were reviewed.
During the General Assemblies, Rashad Aliyev provided information on the initiatives implemented in Azerbaijan regarding hotel classification and the work done towards the development of the hotel sector.
Meetings were also held with HOTREC President Alexandros Vassilikos and Hotelstars Union President Markus Luthe during the events. The meetings covered the application of international experience in Azerbaijan and future cooperation opportunities in the hospitality sector.
Participation in relevant international events contributes to developing cooperation with European partners, learning best practices in hotel classification and service quality, as well as fostering the growth of the country's hospitality sector.
Representing Europe's hotel, restaurant, and cafe sector, HOTREC brings together 47 national associations from 36 countries. The Hotelstars Union operates to conduct star classification of hotels in member countries based on unified criteria and to enhance service quality.