Record-breaking Chinese tourist numbers expected following Azerbaijan visa waiver Azerbaijan’s State Tourism Agency says

The newly introduced mutual visa waiver for citizens of Azerbaijan and China is expected to significantly increase tourist flow and strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries.

According to Caliber.Az, Fuad Naghiyev, chairman of the State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, highlighted the benefits of the agreement.

“The removal of visa requirements for citizens of both countries will not only enhance tourist traffic but also expand business activity in the tourism sector and foster the development of economic, humanitarian, and cultural relations,” Naghiyev said on August 27 during the presentation of the China Ready program.

Naghiyev noted that President Ilham Aliyev’s state visit to China in April 2025 set new priorities and objectives for the growth of tourism relations between the two nations.

“China is one of the strategically important and priority markets for Azerbaijani tourism. In recent years, the number of Chinese tourists visiting Azerbaijan has risen noticeably. To ensure an active presence in the Chinese market and to better utilise its potential, we plan to open a permanent representative office of the Azerbaijan Tourism Bureau in China,” he added.

The China Ready program, officially launched at the event, aims to boost Azerbaijan’s attractiveness as a preferred destination for Chinese travellers and ensure the country’s tourism industry is fully prepared to welcome them. As part of the initiative, more than 100 tourism professionals—including hotel staff, transport operators, tour guides, and airport personnel—will receive specialised training.

“The training will cover the dynamics of the Chinese tourism market, brand building aligned with Chinese tourists’ expectations, tourism product development, consumer behaviour models, and market entry strategies for China,” the State Agency said. Participants who pass the final exam will be awarded an official certificate and will receive updated information about the Chinese tourism market via email over the following 12 months.

The China Ready program is an internationally recognised training and certification system, officially endorsed by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China. It sets the standards required for effectively receiving Chinese tourists. Since its inception in 2002, the program has been implemented in 53 countries across six continents, serving as a benchmark for nations seeking to enhance their competitiveness in the Chinese tourism sector.

The growing interest of Chinese tourists in Azerbaijan is reflected in the statistics: in 2024, the number of Chinese visitors increased by 93% compared to 2023, reaching 44,798. In the first seven months of 2025 alone, more than 34,000 Chinese tourists visited Azerbaijan, marking a 56% increase compared to the same period last year.

By Tamilla Hasanova