Presidential Decree No. 171 approving the Model Regulations of tourism and recreation zones and amending some decrees and orders of the President of Azerbaijan.

This Decree approves the Model Regulations of tourism and recreation zones which lay down rules related to the creation and management of tourism and recreation zones, the formation of tourism centers, as well as the implementation of entrepreneurial activities in tourism centers. The purposes of creating tourism and recreation zones are as follows: (i) preserving tourism resources and ensuring their efficient use; (ii) achieving socio-economic development in the regions and preserving national and cultural heritage through sustainable organization and development of tourism; (iii) promoting various forms and types of tourism that create conditions for environmental protection and maintenance of ecological balance; (iv) creating a favorable environment for domestic and foreign investments in the tourism sector and support for entrepreneurship; (v) development of tourism infrastructure and provision of quality tourism services; and (vi) increasing employment in the tourism sector.