The 1st Meeting of Tourism Specialized Educational Institutions of the ECO Member States took place in Baku on December 4-5, 2023.
On the first day of the event, inauguration ceremony, three panel sessions and university presentations took place. In his opening remarks, the ECO Secretary General Ambassador Khusrav Noziri introduced the approach and initiatives of the Economic Cooperation Organization for regional tourism development, while also underlining the necessity of strengthening cooperation among the stakeholders in the ECO region especially for tourism education.
The Chairman of the State Tourism Agency of Azerbaijan Mr. Fuad Naghiyev emphasized the role of universities to support the tourism sector which is critical for developing the necessary skills of the potential workforce.
Ms. Ulkar Sattarova, Director of State Agency for Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan explained the approach and achievements of Azerbaijan to adapt contemporary methods in the tourism related university education recently.
President of the ECO Educational Institute Professor Akif Kirecci expressed the significance of tourism education going beyond the borders in relation to three main aspects of tourism industry; human interaction, establishment of peace and sensitivity of the sector itself.
Further a panel discussion was held on development and adjustments for curriculum for tourism
education. Panelists shared ideas and best practices on the collaboration among government, academia and private sector especially to identify the emerging trends for enrichment of the tourism products and services.
The event was attended by academicians and experts from the ECO member countries, including Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Türkiye, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, as well as the ECO delegation headed by ECO Secretary General Ambassador Khusrav Noziri.
