A Republican Scientific Conference on the topic “Assessment of Tourism Potential and Ways of Its Improvement in Azerbaijan,” dedicated to the 115th anniversary of the birth of distinguished scientist and climatologist Anvar Shikhlinski, was held at the initiative of the Institute of Geography of the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan in partnership with Mingachevir State University.

Before the opening ceremony of the conference, participants visited the monument of National Leader Heydar Aliyev located at Mingachevir State University, laid flowers in front of the monument, and paid deep respect to the cherished memory of the great leader.

The main purpose of the conference, held on May 6–7, 2026, was to scientifically assess Azerbaijan’s tourism potential, analyze regional development prospects, promote sustainable tourism models, and expand scientific and practical cooperation in this field.

At the opening ceremony, the Rector of Mingachevir State University, Associate Professor Anar Eminov, PhD in Economics, Acting Director of the Institute of Geography, Associate Professor Zaur Imrani, Doctor of Geographical Sciences, as well as other scholars and experts, delivered speeches highlighting the significance of the event, the contributions of Honored Scientist Anvar Shikhlinski to the development of geographical science in Azerbaijan, and the relevance of scientific research conducted in the field of tourism.

A total of 137 papers were submitted to the conference by scholars, experts, doctoral students, and young researchers representing various higher education institutions and scientific research organizations across the country. After undergoing plagiarism screening and a double-review process, 93 articles were accepted by the scientific committee.

Within the framework of the conference, presentations were delivered during sessions organized under two panels, and extensive scientific discussions were held on tourism potential, regional development, climate change, ecotourism, green economy, geographic information systems, sustainable development, and other актуal areas.

As a result of the conference, the accepted articles are planned to be published in an ISBN-indexed collection and posted on the institute’s website “igaz.az”.