Tourism booms in Azerbaijan's Shahdag as visitor numbers soar in first half of 2025

Azerbaijan’s premier mountain resort, Shahdag, is experiencing a strong surge in tourist arrivals, with over 170,000 visitors recorded in just the first six months of 2025 — a 35% increase compared to the same period last year.

Rustam Najafov, Chairman of the Shahdag Centre, shared the figures during a press conference on June 13 dedicated to the start of the summer tourism season, Caliber.Az reports.

“Between January and June, Shahdag welcomed 170,785 tourists,” he said, adding that hotel overnight stays alone accounted for 90,890 visitors during this period.

Nestled in the Greater Caucasus Mountains in the Gusar region, the Shahdag Mountain Resort is one of Azerbaijan’s flagship tourism projects. Launched in 2012 as the country's first winter and summer resort, it has evolved into a year-round destination for both domestic and international tourists.

Najafov noted that even during the off-season months, the complex drew a steady stream of 600 to 800 tourists daily — proof of its growing appeal beyond the ski slopes.

Adding to its infrastructure, Shahdag recently completed construction of a new ski stadium. The facility includes grandstands for 500 spectators and a 1,800-meter slope, which has already played host to several sports events and competitions since the start of the year.

Ahead of the summer season, extensive preparations were carried out across the resort. “All infrastructure and restoration work has been completed, and our cable cars have been fully tested,” Najafov assured, emphasising that Shahdag is fully ready to receive summer travellers.

By Tamilla Hasanova