President Ilham Aliyev and his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva have visited the Shahdag winter and summer tourist complex.

Our head of state and his spouse attended the opening of the Hotels Shahdag and Pik Palace and a ceremony dedicated to the sports results of 2013.

The Shahdag winter and summer tourist complex differs from complexes of this type in the world for its rarity and versatility. Preparatory work for the construction of the complex located on the territory of the Shahdag National Park 32 kilometres from the centre of Gusar District began in 2006. The tender held in that year was won by the world's leading companies. The foundation of the complex was laid in September 2009 with the participation of President Ilham Aliyev. As a result of work carried out since that period, the road leading to the Shahdag winter and summer tourist complex was widened, bridges were built and protective measures were taken to prevent landslides.

The territory of the tourist complex located at an altitude of 1,300-2,300 metres above sea level is 2,058 hectares. The Shahdag winter and summer tourist complex, one of the best projects in Azerbaijan and worldwide, differs from similar recreational centres for its originality and is able to operate all year round. The implementation of this project opens up opportunities for the comprehensive development of skiing and other winter sports in Azerbaijan.

The hotels built in the Shahdag winter and summer tourist complex, which are a great contribution to the rapidly growing tourism sector in Azerbaijan, increase interest in this holiday destination. The conditions created in these hotels, which provide high-level services to guests, prove once again that today special attention is being paid to the development of the tourism sector in our country. The determination of all tourist routes in the country under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev and the implementation of extensive measures in the regions in this regard are in the centre of attention. It is no accident that in the past few years, world-renowned hotel brands have come to Azerbaijan to open five-star hotels.

2011 was declared "Year of Tourism" in Azerbaijan, and numerous steps were taken in this area. The construction and commissioning of modern tourism and recreational facilities and hotel complexes in the capital and regions is indicative of the attention paid to this area in Azerbaijan. Within this framework, the high conditions provided in the hotels built in the Shahdag winter and summer tourist complex once again confirm the development of the hotel complex in Azerbaijan and indicate a gradual increase in the special role of this field in the non-oil sector.

The Shahdag winter and summer tourist complex, which is an important contribution to the non-oil sector in our country, is the first ski resort in the history of Azerbaijan. The construction of the complex was carried out in several stages. In February 2011, President Ilham Aliyev attended the opening of cable car number 2 and the ski slope of the complex. The head of state, who constantly keeps the construction of this grand object in the spotlight, has repeatedly come to the territory, familiarized himself with the progress of construction work and attended the opening of several facilities and hotels. The complex began to receive the first tourists already in the last winter season.

Work on the construction of the first phase is funded by the state. Control over the construction work is performed by the management of the Shahdag winter and summer tourist complex, which is subordinate to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Our head of state and his spouse first attended the opening of the Pik Palace five-star hotel.

The First Lady of Azerbaijan was presented with a bouquet of flowers. President Ilham Aliyev cut the ribbon symbolizing the opening of the hotel.

The Hotel Pik Palace, located 230 kilometres north of the capital in the Shahdag winter and summer tourist complex, is surrounded by majestic mountains, and every element of it causes admiration.

Our head of state left a note in the book of honoured guests of the hotel.

The hotel is run by a newly-created company called PAŞA Hotels and Resorts. The Hotel Pik Palace with large beds, comfortable guest rooms, workplaces, floor-to-ceiling windows and French balconies provides guests with 167 spacious rooms and suites. All guest rooms are equipped with modern facilities. Restaurants, bars and places of recreation in the hotel create unique unity for a tasteful lunch with mountains in the background.

Chocolat Patisseri, located in the lobby of the hotel, creates an aura of glamour and comfort. It operates an area for the production of chocolate truffles. Alpina Brasserie & Wine Bar provides rare ingredients and original dishes for dinner throughout the day. Fujisan Restaurant & Bar offers in the original form a cuisine that reflects the unique unity of Japanese and Korean dishes. This restaurant is an ideal area for special festivals or individual dinners and meetings. Fitness services include a gym, sauna and steam room, indoor swimming pool, whirlpool and outdoor heated swimming pool to receive sunlight. Experienced professionals working in the trendy SPA area provide a variety of aromatherapy, massage and SPA procedures, including cosmetic services and treatment. The Acacia reception hall without columns and with a high ceiling illuminated by natural sunlight can accommodate up to 600 guests during parties and about 350 – during banquets.

Then, President Ilham Aliyev and his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva attended the opening ceremony of the five-star Shahdag hotel.

The Azerbaijani president cut the ribbon symbolizing the opening of the hotel.

The head of state and president of the National Olympic Committee, Ilham Aliyev, and his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva first attended a ceremony dedicated to the sports results of 2013.

The Azerbaijani President spoke at the ceremony.

Speech by President Ilham Aliyev

- Dear friends, ladies and gentlemen!

At the end of each year, we meet with athletes and discuss the sports results of the year. In fact, during the year I have several meetings with athletes. But the meeting at the end of the year has become a tradition. Each year, these meetings are held at the building of the National Olympic Committee. This time we are meeting in Shahdag. I believe that it will also become a tradition, since Shahdag has become a tourist and sports centre of Azerbaijan today.

Today is also the opening day of the Hotels Shahdag and Pik Palace. Today in Azerbaijan, in Gusar District in Shahdag, two five-star hotels are opening. I want to sincerely congratulate you all on this occasion.

On the way here I remembered the time when I first visited these mountains. I remember that wishing to develop mountain tourism in Azerbaijan, we were busy choosing a location. We invited foreign specialists. Being here for the first time, I could not imagine that in a short time Shahdag would become an international tourist centre. Of course, we had specific plans. A very limited period of time was established. But I can say that we wanted to create a developed resort that has reached the highest world level, however, we could not have imagined this, since there was nothing here. There were mountains and snow. There were not even population centres here. First of all, we started to implement infrastructure projects in the area. Roads were built, electricity, gas and water lines were laid, and all other infrastructure projects were implemented. We began to build lifts. A concrete decision was made to build the first hotel. The construction of this hotel was approved and construction work began. Then I thought that Shahdag would attract many tourists. In this case, the construction of one hotel here probably would not be able to meet our needs. After that, questions were raised about the construction of other hotels. I am glad that the construction of three hotels is being completed on this site. Two hotels are opening today, and the third one is likely to open in a few months.

At the beginning of this year, tourists started coming here despite the fact that there were no placed to stay here. The small hotel Zirva operates down below. But on Saturdays and Sundays, thousands of people from Baku, other places and Gusar District came here to relax and learn to ski.

Thus, this resort has existed for one year. The opening of two hotels, of course, will give a new impetus to the development of this resort. I am sure that in the future, Azerbaijani and foreign businessmen and investors will be making their suggestions on the construction of new hotels here. I hope that a lot of hotels will be built here in the future. So we were able to create the first ski resort in Azerbaijan.

The creation of the Shahdag resort, of course, contributes to the development of tourism in Azerbaijan. At the same time, it shows the possibilities of our country. As we were able to create a world-class resort within several years, we are capable of greater things in all other areas. In fact, the reality of today's Azerbaijan confirms this. We are committed to our strategic course, goals are chosen correctly, decisions are made, specific assignments are given, deadlines are set and issues are resolved.

In Soviet times, Azerbaijan never had mountain resorts despite the fact that neighbouring regions did. Therefore, it was decided that Azerbaijan should also have them, and this resort in Azerbaijan must meet the highest standards. Infrastructure, hotels, lifts and downhill strips, and of course, a lot of work was done for the comfort of people.

I can say that Shahdag has already taken its rightful place among the ski resorts worldwide and in Europe. Domestic tourism is developing rapidly. But we should strive to ensure that these opportunities are used by foreign guests as well. In any case, the number of tourists coming to Azerbaijan is growing from year to year. I am sure that foreign guests will come to winter resorts too. At the same time, I can say that this project has given impetus to the creation of a ski resort in Gabala District. There, too, a resort is ready and it will be possible to engage in skiing.

The rapid development of Azerbaijan covers all areas. This project, I can say, is the biggest investment in the tourism sector of our country. Our biggest public investments have been made and will be made in the tourism potential of Gusar District. At the same time, it means the development of the non-oil sector and entrepreneurship. The operation of this resort will lead to the opening of hundreds and in the future - of thousands of new jobs. My demand and request for the bodies working here is to involve more local people in these businesses so that citizens living in surrounding areas and Gusar are employed. That is to say the creation of this resort has several objectives. This gives us the opportunity to develop the non-oil sector and tourism and promote our country in the world in a more complete form. This creates ideal conditions for citizens of Azerbaijan, since I know that skiing is becoming popular in Azerbaijan and our citizens head to foreign countries. From now on, in Azerbaijan there is a lovely place that meets the highest international standards.

At the same time, today we celebrate the success of our athletes. 2013 was successful for Azerbaijani sports. The victories gained in 2012 at the Olympic Games were continued in 2013. Azerbaijani athletes achieved great success at the Summer Universiade – they took 15th place in the team performance and won 16 medals. At the same time, on the whole, the country's athletes have won more than 780 medals, including 280 gold medals. We had four world champions in Olympic sports. This is also a very large indicator.

Azerbaijan is a sports power. It is already recognized and accepted by the world sports community. Of course, a lot is being done for the sustainable development of sports. Azerbaijan regularly hosts international competitions, European and World Championships. Teenagers and young people are showing a great interest in sports. We now have a great opportunity to practice sports. There are forty regional Olympic centres. Five centres are under construction in regions, and it is planned to build five more centres. Thus, the number of Olympic facilities in regions will reach 50. Big sports facilities are under construction in Baku. Currently, a 65,000-seat Olympic stadium, a big palace of water sports, a gymnastics centre and a centre for trap shooting are currently under construction. That is to say these are big infrastructure projects that allow Azerbaijan to host any sporting events.

Of course, in 2014, in preparation for the first European games, we will take even more steps, because the next year will be crucial for preparations for the Games. The holding of the first European Games in Azerbaijan is a big victory for our state and our people. It will remain in history. We must make sure that these games are held at the highest level.

Until today, European Games have not been conducted. There is no history of European Games despite the fact that the Olympic movement originated in Europe and was revived in Europe. Therefore, we will define the standards the European Games will meet. After the games end, our standards will be perceived as the standards of the European Games. And we want to hold these games at the highest level, at the level of the Summer Olympic Games and there are opportunities for that. Until that time, all our sports facilities will be fully ready. At the same time, the Palace of Indoor Games and the Heydar Aliyev Sports Centre are being refurbished. Baku already has about 10 five-star hotels. All the leading hotel companies of the world are in Azerbaijan. The road infrastructure is being updated, and security measures are provided at a high level. I am sure that all technical issues will be resolved at a high level in Azerbaijan, because we already have great experience in hosting world and European championships.

In short, I am sure that the European Games will be games that will attract the attention of the world and Europe. Therefore, we must strive to host these games at the highest level. I am confident that we will achieve this. An Organizing Committee has been set up. The Organizing Committee is actively working. We need to involve our famous athletes in this business, so that they and volunteers take an active part. In short, the next year will be crucial for preparing for these games. Two years after that - in 2017, Azerbaijan will host the Islamic Solidarity Games. Azerbaijan will be the only country that will host both the European Games and the Islamic Solidarity Games.

I am confident that these games will bring Europe and the Islamic world closer to each other. This is the role of Azerbaijan. We have assumed this responsibility. One of the countries that unite the world, continents, peoples and civilizations is Azerbaijan. The great atmosphere existing in our country, good intentions, tolerance and kindness are commended by the world community today. Numerous forums, humanitarian forums, economic and political events are held.

Two days ago, a historic event happened in Azerbaijan. The Shah Deniz-2 project was launched. This project became a project of the 21st century and a great historical success for Azerbaijan. This project will play a crucial role for the welfare of our people and for the development of our country. We have achieved all these successes at the expense of our work.

The energy policy of Azerbaijan is unambiguous, it is a well-thought out policy. The event that was held two days ago with the participation of heads of state and government from many European countries once again demonstrated the importance of our country.

Azerbaijan is a reliable partner, a worthy state and a strong state, which has a strong economy, conducts a strong policy and has strong sports, and its infrastructure is being updated. The most important thing is that a representative of any people living in Azerbaijan feels confident. Azerbaijan is our common homeland and our common home. We must ensure that the successful development of our country is secured in the future too.

Sports show the general potential for the development of any country. If you look at the leading countries in the field of sports, you can see that the vast majority of them are developed countries. In developed countries, sports are strong too.

Today, Azerbaijan is a rapidly developing country. And in the future it will become a developed country. Sports also show our strength. Athletes represent our country and raise our flag. Their victories cause joy in the hearts of each of us. 2013 has also been successful in this area. At the end of each year, we award the athletes, and they are provided with apartments. It has also become a wonderful tradition. This tradition will be continued today.

I sincerely congratulate all athletes, tourism sector workers present in this hall today and the people of Azerbaijan on the upcoming Day of Solidarity of World Azerbaijanis and the New Year. I wish each of you health and happiness. Thank you.

XXX

The secretary-general of the National Olympic Committee, Agajan Abiyev, thanked the head of state on behalf of sportsmen for his attention and care.

Minister of Culture and Tourism Abulfaz Garayev stressed that this day was a remarkable day in the history of our country and that a new form of sports and tourism had taken shape in Azerbaijan under the leadership of Ilham Aliyev.

Then, President Ilham Aliyev presented a group of athletes who distinguished themselves in various international competitions and sports figures who contributed to the development of sports in our country with papers for new apartments, as well as diplomas of the National Olympic Committee.

Freestyle wrestling coach Elchin Zeynalov thanked President Ilham Aliyev for his comprehensive care about sportsmen.

A member of the Executive Committee of the National Olympic Committee, founder and head of the Museum of the Miniature Book and Honoured Artist Zarifa Salahova presented President Ilham Aliyev and his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva with gifts and wished them success in their work.

Then, President Ilham Aliyev and his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva familiarized themselves with the conditions created at the Hotel Shahdag.

It was noted that this hotel is a perfect place for holiday where guests are offered the highest level of luxury and hospitality together with the hospitality of the staff. The modern interior and high services that are offered here and rooms that create a perfect mood will make a lasting impression on guests.

President Ilham Aliyev was informed that the 173 rooms are divided into five categories - superior, deluxe, junior suite, suite and rooms designed for VIP-guests. The rooms have all conditions for making guests feel comfortable and are fitted out with thermostatic showers, cable TV, a ventilation system, Internet and other services. The chain of restaurants operating in the hotel offers delicious national and international cuisine. The bars and cafes also have all conditions for providing high services. Ovdan SPA and SPA Bar are among the largest SPA centres in Azerbaijan. In addition, the hotel has an indoor swimming pool fitted out with the necessary equipment, a gym, kindergarten and a sales centre where ski equipment is sold. The three meeting rooms available here and the conference hall have all conditions for holding various events and are provided with the latest sound equipment.

The Shahdag winter and summer tourism resort offers guests interesting sports and entertainment throughout the year. Here guests have the chance to be in the centre of grand natural beauty, feel the fresh mountain air and be surrounded by various kinds of entertainment. There are 19 ski slopes for athletes of various levels and fans here. The local skiing school offers various courses. The complex will offer people of different age groups a variety of summer activities. Those who wish to rediscover the region and are looking for adventure are offered rafting, and in the future, the guests will be offered skydiving, rock climbing, cycling, swimming in the lake and other sport activities. In addition, it is planned to build a large golf course, exciting water parks and swimming pools.

Our head of state and his spouse also got acquainted with the construction and assembly work of a new five-star hotel complex which is about to be completed in the Shahdag winter and summer tourism complex.

During the construction-assembly work carried out in the building in a particular architectural style, the focus was primarily on providing relaxation and comfort for the guests. The hotel, which has a total area of 22 thousand square metres, will have 164 rooms - 149 standard, 13 suites and 2 duplex suites. Various restaurants, cafes and bars will be operating here. The restaurants and cafes for 112, 65, 52 and 45 seats will have all conditions for providing guests with quality services. A 130-seat conference hall is also being created. The hotel includes a business centre, a gym with various kinds of training equipment, SPA with four treatment rooms, a swimming pool and other service facilities. A car park for 77 cars will be built under the building.