THE ROLE OF TOURISTIC POTENTIAL OF LANKARAN-ASTARA ECONOMIC REGION IN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Sustainable tourism development, its rules and management practices can be applied to all forms of tourism, including mass tourism and different types of it in all directions. Important achievements have been made in this field in our country. The principles of sustainability in tourism development should take into account environmental, economic and socio-cultural aspects, and an appropriate balance should be created between these three factors to ensure long-term sustainability. Economic, environmental and social goals in the policy implemented by the state will play the key role to the success of tourism activities. The principles of sustainability are more relevant to the ecological, economic and socio-cultural environment in the tourism field. The balance between these three important features must be well established to provide long-term sustainability. In Astara, one of the most prosperous regions of Azerbaijan, one part of the region is covered by Talish mountains, and the other part is lowland. Tourists are attracted by the Talish Mountains, local residents' lifestyle, culture, traditions, clothing, as well as the beautiful scenery of this region. More than 400 historical monuments have been preserved in the region. Most of them are in mountain villages. In Kapichi village of the region, there are a caravanserai from the 7th century, a necropolis from the 3rd-1st centuries B.C., the debris of an old castle, a tomb, and statues from the bronze and stone ages. Coins and stone tools found in the region are stored in the City Museum of Local History. Lankaran has all conditions for a successful tourism business. Tourists are also attracted by Caspian Sea and its beach areas. Lankaran is a coastal recreation area on the Caspian coastco whose healing beaches covered by black sand. There are "Istisu" sanatoriums and magical hot springs in Haftoni village of Lankaran. It is very interesting for tourists who are interested in ecotourism and sightseeing. The beaches themselves are not ine the open areas and surrounded by trees provided pleasant shade on hot days.