Number of Azerbaijani Tourists Leaving for Czech Republic Declining

Baku / 19.12.17 / Turan: In recent years, the number of long-term visas (more than 90 days) issued by the Czech Consulate in Baku to Azerbaijani citizens is growing.

This was announced at the press conference by Consul Josef Bogach today.

Whereas in 2014 only 50 long-term visas were issued, then, in 2015, there were twice as many - 100. In 2016, 160 citizens of Azerbaijan received long-term visas.

In 2017, 120 visas have been issued so far.

Long-term visas are mainly obtained for travel for study purposes.

At the same time, the number of short-term Schengen visas issued is decreasing.

So, in 2014, 8 thousand Schengen visas were issued, in 2015 - 8,230, inn 2016 - 6.5 thousand, and in 2017 - 5 thousand visas.

The Consul explained this with the deterioration of the economic situation of the Azerbaijani population and the reduction of those wishing to travel abroad for these reasons. Without mentioning the statistics, the Consul noted that very few citizens come to Azerbaijan.

"This is more of an issue for Azerbaijani tourism marketing, which should do more for more renown of the country abroad," Bogach said.

However, another representative of the Embassy noted that Czech tourists are gradually beginning to come to Azerbaijan and most of all they are interested in the beauty of the country's mountains.

On the question whether the restoration of regular direct air service between the two countries is expected and what prevents it, the Czech Ambassador replied that this is more a question for companies that themselves assess the commercial feasibility of flights.

Azerbaijani tourists currently fly to Prague via Istanbul, Kiev and Moscow.

The Ambassador noted the possibility of opening direct flights in the summer season, when the flow of tourists increases. -06D-