On November 5, 2026, Mingachevir State University (MSU) hosted a masterclass on “The Objectives of Tourism Planning.” Moderated by Khadija Suleymanova, a lecturer in the Department of Tourism Business and Marketing, the session featured Farid Khankishiyev, Associate Professor at Lankaran State University (LSU) and PhD in Economics, as its guest speaker.
The main objective of the masterclass was to strengthen students’ theoretical knowledge of tourism planning and develop their analytical thinking skills in the efficient use of tourism resources and sustainable development.
During the session, Farid Khankishiyev provided detailed information on the essence, necessity, main objectives, and tasks of tourism planning. Attention was drawn to assessing the potential of tourism destinations, identifying future development directions, improving infrastructure, and enhancing service quality.
The economic, social, cultural, and environmental impacts of tourism were examined within the scope of the topic. The protection of natural and cultural resources, consideration of environmental impacts, safeguarding the interests of local residents, and increasing the socioeconomic benefits generated by tourism were highlighted as key aspects of sustainable planning.
The importance of local community participation in the planning process, along with the roles of the state, the private sector, and other stakeholders in tourism development, was also discussed. It was noted that tourism planning is a comprehensive process that, alongside organizing activities, considers resource conservation, economic efficiency, and social welfare in an interconnected manner.
The masterclass placed emphasis on students’ participation in discussions and their ability to put forward independent ideas and proposals on tourism development. Providing an opportunity for the exchange of knowledge and experience between universities, the meeting contributed to enriching students’ subject knowledge, broadening their professional perspectives, and shaping their approach to tourism based on the principles of environmental and social responsibility.