Baku:Azerbaijan's regions offer significant potential for tourism development, according to Anna Soave, Head of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) Office in Azerbaijan, during a panel discussion at the 2nd Azerbaijan International Investment Forum.

According to Azeri-Press news agency, Soave emphasized the need to expand tourism beyond Azerbaijan's well-known destinations. She highlighted the opportunities presented by the country's historic cities, cultural landscapes, forests, mountains, and multicultural heritage.

Infrastructure projects are currently enhancing access to these locations, creating new investment possibilities, Soave noted. She stressed the importance of urban and territorial planning to determine suitable areas for development and those needing protection.

Soave also pointed out that tourism projects should benefit local communities. While turning areas into tourist-only zones might generate short-term revenue, it risks diminishing their long-term value.