Speech by Ilham Aliyev at the opening of Chinar Hotel & SPA Naftalan in the city of Naftalan

Let me salute you and cordially congratulate you on the opening of the Chinar Hotel. This is a major and perhaps even historic event. You know very well that in Soviet times this building was a sanatorium where people from different parts of the Soviet Union would come for treatment. Later the building became run down and practically did not operate. But thanks to the work done, the reforms under way in our country, the stability and economic development in Azerbaijan, business people have invested their money in this building and created a beautiful hotel meeting the highest standards, a medical facility and a recreation center.

I want to repeat that the restoration of Chinar is of tremendous importance. The restoration of Chinar marks the beginning of a new period in the development of Naftalan. When I was here last time, I was frankly somewhat disappointed to see that the situation was not very good. Therefore, appropriate measures were taken and instructions issued. Over a short period of time, steps were taken to improve the town, establish and restore spa resorts, which are the main area of development for Naftalan. The Chinar Hotel meets the highest international standards. There are all the necessary facilities at the hotel, at the medical and recreation centers. Most importantly, people will be able to use the unique therapeutic Naftalan oil here and at such a wonderful level. Never before has there been such a level here. Now it is a reality and this reality has been created by the Azerbaijani state, the work carried out in Azerbaijan and the confidence of investors in the future of our country. After all, it will take a long time for the investment to start paying off. In other words, the investment will not be recovered in one, two or three years. This means that investors have full confidence that the stability and development in Azerbaijan will be continued.

This year has been announced the year of tourism in Azerbaijan, and a total of five 5-star hotels will be opened in Baku alone. These will be renowned hotel brands and their opening will attract many more tourists to Baku.

I am very pleased that in addition to Baku, wonderful conditions are being created in our districts. The Chinar hotel and medical center and the Gashalti hotel are opening in Naftalan. In other words, two beautiful hotels and a medical center are opening in one day.

Similar processes are ongoing in other districts. The Shahdag resort is being established, and this year we will mark the opening of its first hotel. In other words, this process is well under way in Azerbaijan. Alongside all the other spheres, the development of tourism is also of great significance as it will determine further development of our country.

We must make sure that the entire tourism infrastructure in Azerbaijan is like this: great level, excellent service, high quality. For the town of Naftalan, the establishment of such beautiful facilities is very important because they mean new jobs. The number of visitors to Naftalan will increase. People will be coming here not only from the CIS, but also from abroad, I am sure. I have been to different parts of the world and stayed at various hotels, and I can say with full confidence that the conditions available here are at the highest level. I am very pleased that such wonderful conditions are being created not only in the capital, but also in Azerbaijani districts.

The Naftalan oil, as I am sure you know very well, has unique healing qualities. People living here have used these opportunities, this oil for centuries. In Soviet times, Naftalan was a famous city in the Soviet Union. Subsequently, for certain reasons, it lost its glory. This day will be crucial for the revival of Naftalan, for it to take its rightful place. The construction of these two beautiful hotels will pave the way for further development of Naftalan.

Along with that, I have issued appropriate instructions and will now tour the town. We should improve not only hotels, but also the whole town. All buildings in Naftalan must be renovated, new parks and alleys established, Naftalan must turn into a unique and beautiful place not only in Azerbaijan but also throughout the region. I am sure that in a matter of several years no city of this region will be able to match the beauty and comfort of Naftalan. I want this to happen even though Azerbaijan has many beautiful districts where new hotels are also under construction and new infrastructure projects are being implemented. But Naftalan holds a special place, and the number of visitors coming here will soon increase. Not only because of the Naftalan oil, but also thanks to the available tourism infrastructure.

I would like to repeat that the establishment of this beautiful compound is the result of the work being done in Azerbaijan. Investment, economic growth, enhancing industrial capacity, rapid development of the country are enabling us to establish such beautiful facilities that will serve the people of Azerbaijan.

I want to heartily congratulate all the people of Naftalan on this wonderful occasion. I am sure that this beautiful hotel will operate successfully and business people will invest their resources in other areas as well. Congratulations again!