Azerbaijan tourism development is gaining importance as the country works to welcome more
international visitors and create new economic opportunities. Florian Sengstschmid, CEO of the
Azerbaijan Tourism Board, shared the country’s tourism plans at the Travel and Tourism
Summit. He explained how better air connections, regional investment and cultural attractions
could help Azerbaijan achieve its tourism goals by 2030.

Located between Europe and Asia, Azerbaijan offers visitors a combination of history, traditions
and natural beauty. Sengstschmid believes the South Caucasus region deserves more
international attention because many travellers are unfamiliar with its unique identity. Visitors
can explore historic settlements, religious landmarks and cultural attractions that reflect the
country’s diverse heritage.

The capital city, Baku, has become an important destination for international events. It hosted
the Eurovision Song Contest in 2011 and the COP29 climate conference in 2024. These major
gatherings have helped introduce Azerbaijan to a wider international audience and
demonstrated its ability to welcome visitors from different countries.

However, the country’s tourism attractions extend beyond Baku. Travellers can visit Shaki, a
historic town famous for its traditional architecture and Khan palaces. Azerbaijan also offers
wine routes, wellness experiences and mountain destinations. Its natural landscapes range from
dry areas to mountain peaks reaching approximately 4,000 metres.

Winter sports are another growing part of the country’s tourism plans. A five-year partnership
with the International Ski and Snowboard Federation will support international competitions in
Azerbaijan. Shahdag is expected to host major freestyle skiing events, including World Cup
finals in moguls and dual moguls.

Better international transport connections are also important for tourism growth. Azerbaijan
Airlines plans to introduce four weekly flights between Brussels and Baku from May 8, 2027.
The country also offers an electronic visa system to make travel arrangements easier for eligible
visitors.

A government programme running until 2030 aims to support new flight routes, improve regional
accommodation and help small businesses. Tourism contributed seven billion manat,
approximately €3.5 billion, to Azerbaijan’s economy in 2025, accounting for 5.4 percent of its
gross domestic product. The country aims to increase this contribution to 12 billion manat by
2030 while encouraging longer visits and creating more opportunities for local communities.

Source: Supplied report featuring Florian Sengstschmid, CEO of the Azerbaijan Tourism Board,
at the Travel and Tourism Summit.

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