Azerbaijan shares innovative sustainable tourism strategies at Istanbul summit

Azerbaijan highlighted its commitment to sustainable tourism at the annual Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Summit, held in Istanbul from April 21 to 23.

The event gathered government officials, international organisations, and tourism experts under the central theme “Timeless Wisdom for a Sustainable Future”, Caliber.Az reports.

Representing Azerbaijan were the State Tourism Agency and the Azerbaijan Tourism Bureau, both of which actively participated in the summit’s discussions and sessions.

During the summit, Azerbaijan shared its experience and strategic approaches to fostering sustainable tourism, offering insights into the country’s evolving policies aimed at environmental preservation, responsible travel, and the protection of cultural heritage.

Florian Sengstschmid, Chairman of the Azerbaijan Tourism Bureau, delivered a keynote address during the intergovernmental session. His speech focused on the transformation of tourism governance mechanisms, the implementation of innovative regulatory frameworks, and the integration of sustainability principles into national tourism policies.

In addition to formal presentations, Azerbaijani representatives held several meetings with international partners, where they elaborated on the country’s efforts to promote eco-friendly tourism products, safeguard cultural landmarks, and support community-driven tourism development.

Through its participation in the summit, Azerbaijan reaffirmed its role as an advocate of sustainable tourism in the region and emphasized its intention to contribute to global tourism policy through environmentally responsible and inclusive practices.

By Tamilla Hasanova