On 10 May 2026, the Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB) and the Reserves Management Centre (RMC) organised a “Youth4Tourism” awareness-raising session in the Basqal settlement of the Ismayilli district, engaging local community members in discussions on the power of tourism to drive regional development and the pivotal role that youth can play in shaping Basqal’s future as a destination. The targeted initiative reached 10 of the most passionate young community members who had previously expressed a strong interest in pursuing opportunities within the tourism sector.
The session was designed to increase awareness among young people of the socio-economic importance of tourism - as a driver of employment, cultural preservation, and community empowerment - and to inspire active participation in Basqal’s rapidly expanding tourism offering. Participants were informed about the diverse professional pathways that tourism presents in rural destinations, spanning hospitality management, guiding, handicraft production, event organisation, digital marketing, and entrepreneurship
Discussions focused on the specific tourism potential of Basqal - from its UNESCO-recognised kelaghai craft heritage and historic Hammam Museum to its natural landscapes and position within the wider Ismayilli tourism cluster - and on the concrete opportunities available for young people to contribute to destination promotion and visitor experience development. Real-world examples of successful youth-led tourism initiatives from other regions were shared to demonstrate what engaged young people can achieve.
The session also addressed sustainable tourism principles, environmental responsibility, and the importance of protecting Basqal’s natural resources and cultural heritage for future generations. Participants engaged in interactive group discussions and activities, proposing ideas for strengthening youth involvement in local tourism and exploring how communication, teamwork, and leadership skills can be developed through tourism-related projects and volunteer roles.
The “Youth4Tourism” initiative in Basqal forms part of ATB and RMC’s broader community capacity-building programme, and aligns with the Basqal Sustainable Tourism Strategy’s commitment to integrating youth engagement into local schools and vocational education, supporting a pipeline of young tourism professionals and Junior Guides. The session reflects ATB’s recognition that young people are not simply beneficiaries of tourism development - they are essential contributors to it.
