On November 20, 2025, a Memorandum of Understanding on joint cooperation for the training of professional specialists in service-oriented fields (Tourism Management, Tour Guiding, and Tourism and Hospitality) was signed between Mingachevir State University (MDU) and Hotel Naftalan LLC.

The Memorandum aims to involve students in internships, enhance their practical skills by integrating theoretical knowledge with real working environments in tourism and hospitality, and promote innovative approaches and research initiatives within the region’s service sector.

On this occasion, a delegation led by the Advisor to the Rector on Academic Affairs at MDU, Jeyhun Mahmudov, visited Hotel Nafta located in Naftalan.

Following the signing ceremony, the delegation became acquainted with the modern infrastructure of the hotel, which operates professionally in the field of health tourism. Discussions were held on the hotel’s treatment-oriented service models, practical hospitality processes, service standards, and the real-world training opportunities to be provided for students.

Particular emphasis was placed on organizing student internships in hotel and health tourism institutions, inviting industry professionals as guest lecturers at the university, and implementing joint training and research projects in this field.

This cooperation will provide MDU students with an important platform to integrate into real working environments in tourism and hospitality, acquire professional skills, and expand their future career opportunities.

It should be noted that Hotel Naftalan LLC participated in the “Regional University–Industry Cooperation Summit 2025,” organized by MDU on October 24 of the current year, where the foundation for this partnership was first discussed and established.