On December 16-17, the State Tourism Agency organized a two-day media tour to theShahdag Mountain Resort, aiming to kick off the winter tourism season in Azerbaijan and promote tourism opportunities.

The objective of the media tour is to boost awareness and interest in winter tourism in Azerbaijan, promote tourism products, and inform the public about the preparations for the winter season at the Shahdag Mountain Resort, including ongoing works and innovations. As part of the event, media representatives were treated to a video presentation showcasing the activities of the Shahdag Mountain Resort for 2023. Detailed information was provided about the ongoing reconstruction and infrastructure works within the complex.

Speaking at the event, Rustam Najafov, chairman of "Shahdag" Tourism Center CJSC, said that a special new slope with a length of 1800 meters and intended for the holding of various international ski competitions is being used for ski lovers from this winter season. At the same time, he said that the number of snow generators has been increased from 449 to 488 in order to constantly supply the ski slopes operating in the complex with snow. Rustam Najafov also highlighted that this year, the Shahdag Mountain Resort has been chosen as a member of the Eurasian Mountain Resorts Alliance. This alliance comprises mountain resorts from Russia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, with the goal of broadening access to global tourism markets and enhancing tourist experience. He expressed optimism that this collaboration will positively influence the future development of winter tourism in Azerbaijan.

During the event, media representatives were informed that the International Ski Mountaineering Federation ("ISMF") international series competition for ski mountaineering is scheduled to take place in Shahdag for the first time in March 2024.

During the presentation, it was emphasized that the primary objective of the Shahdag Mountain Resort is to attain growth in the number of both local and international visitors. This involves enhancing customer satisfaction, intensifying domestic and foreign promotional activities, and particularly expanding the promotion of Shahdag as a year-round tourist destination, not solely focused on winter tourism.

Media representatives’ questions were answered during the media tour. As part of the two-day event, media representatives had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with a variety of entertainments offered to guests in hotels and tourist centers. They experienced the use of ski equipment, cableways, various attractions, and winter entertainment.

Around 90 tourism representatives and bloggers, invited from Russia, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Serbia, and several Middle Eastern countries, along with 12 members from foreign partner resorts, participated in the media tour. This event was organized in conjunction with the opening of the winter season.

It's worth noting that from January to December 15, 2023, the Shahdag Mountain Resort hosted 67,821 overnight guests, with a total of 158,506 visitors of the center.