Directions for the Development of Ecotourism in the Shaki-Zaqatala Economic Region

Abstract

Within the framework of the study, the region’s natural landscape features, cultural heritage, and ecotourism opportunities were assessed, and the current state of infrastructure was analyzed. The results of the analysis indicate that the tourism sector of the Zaqatala district has a high potential for development. However, weaknesses in infrastructure and marketing strategies, as well as the need to improve the quality of tourism services, were observed. The study also identified the level of local population employment in the tourism sector and the main problems they face in this field. At the same time, the article puts forward proposals related to the development of alternative types of tourism (ecotourism), the identification of new tourism routes, and ensuring sustainable tourism development based on clustering.