Azerbaijan, China discuss expanding tourism ties at CITM 2025 Photo

Fuad Naghiyev, Chairman of the State Agency for Tourism of Azerbaijan, met with Chinese Minister of Culture and Tourism Sun Yeli during the “China International Tourism Exhibition (CITM 2025)” in Beijing to discuss ways to strengthen tourism cooperation between the two countries.

The officials highlighted the growth of bilateral tourism ties in recent years, attributing it to the comprehensive strategic partnership developed between Azerbaijan and China under Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Xi Jinping. Naghiyev emphasised the positive impact of visa-free travel on tourist flows and underscored ongoing efforts to promote Azerbaijan’s tourism potential in China through large-scale marketing campaigns, Caliber.Az reports, ciitng the statement by teh Tourism Ministry. 

Naghiyev also outlined plans to open an Azerbaijani tourism representative office in China and discussed the “China Ready” programme, designed to prepare Azerbaijan’s tourism sector for an increasing number of Chinese visitors.

He noted that the recent China Tourism Summit in Baku was a key step in deepening cooperation between tourism industry professionals from both countries.

Minister Sun Yeli praised the strengthening of economic and political ties between Azerbaijan and China and highlighted the importance of promoting Azerbaijan as a tourist destination for Chinese travelers.

He noted that in the 33 years since diplomatic relations were established, Azerbaijani-Chinese ties have developed into a mutually beneficial partnership, with Azerbaijan’s tourism market attracting growing interest from Chinese tourists.

By Sabina Mammadli