Azerbaijan booms as tourist arrivals and spending hit record highs

Azerbaijan continues to strengthen its position as a growing hub for international tourism, with nearly one million visitors arriving in the country during the first five months of 2025.

Speaking to journalists, Kanan Guluzada, Advisor to the Chairman of the State Tourism Agency, noted that a total of 979,963 tourists visited Azerbaijan from January through May, reflecting a 1.5 per cent increase compared to the same period last year, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

The May month alone saw 264,079 tourist arrivals, marking a 2 per cent year-on-year growth. These figures signal a steady rebound for the country’s tourism sector, which is showing resilience and renewed momentum following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a broader context, Azerbaijan’s tourism industry has witnessed significant progress in recent years, with visitor spending reaching new heights. Addressing the 71st meeting of UN Tourism Commission for Europe held in Baku, Chairman of the State Tourism Agency Fuad Naghiyev revealed that international tourists spent more than $5.1 billion in the country in 2024 — a remarkable 26 per cent increase compared to 2023.

Naghiyev highlighted Azerbaijan’s active engagement in the global tourism community. Since joining the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in 2001, Azerbaijan has played a key role, having served three terms on the Executive Council and chaired it in 2017. This year, the country has once again nominated itself for a seat on the Executive Council representing the European region for the 2025–2029 term, with elections currently underway.

“Our recovery from the pandemic has been robust, particularly driven by intensified marketing efforts across European markets,” Naghiyev stated. “We are optimistic about continued international cooperation and the shared pursuit of sustainable tourism growth,” he added.

By Vafa Guliyeva