The EU Twinning project "Strengthening the Capacity of the Department of Tourism in the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Azerbaijan" is nearing completion.

According to the ministry, the total value of the contract, which began on Feb. 15, 2013, was $1.219 million, ABC.az reports.

"The final extended date of the project implemented under support of the Austrian Federal Procurement Agency (FPA) and Lithuanian State Department of Tourism is June 27," a ministry spokesman said, according to ABC.az.

The project made several improvements to the management of tourism in Azerbaijan, including the organizational structure and capacity of the Department of Tourism, analysis of the training needs of department personnel, recommendations for updating the regulatory framework, statistical reporting and marketing strategy, and elaboration of a comprehensive self-regulatory model.

As a result of the proposal and recommendations, the Tourism Marketing Strategy 2014-2016 has been officially adopted, minimum standards for accommodation have been approved and the Azerbaijan Convention Bureau has been established.