Azerbaijan | Travel & Tourism Sector is Set for a Significant Growth this Year

Azerbaijan is strengthening its tourism promotion spearheaded by the very active Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB), the national body responsible for marketing the country as a premier travel destination aiming to position it as a global leader in tourism, highlighting in its promotional campaigns the rich national cultural heritage, a blend of East and West influenced by ancient civilizations, the iconic Silk Road,  as well as its diverse natural, unique landscapes and varied climate zones.

Travel & Tourism sector is set for a significant growth this year, confirmed by data provided by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) forecasting a contribution of ₼10.3 billion to the national economy, a 32% year - on - year rise, representing 8.2% of total GDP.

In addition this year the sector is also expected to support 472.000 jobs,  representing nearly 10% of total national employment.

 Azerbaijan tourism success factors include strategic government initiatives like the introduction of the “ASAN Visa” system that has significantly simplified the process for international visitors, increasing facilitations and encouraging tourism, relevant investment in modern infrastructure and enhancing airports connectivity. 

The country is also focusing on improving accessibility through expanded flight routes while also promoting event and business tourism,  all contributing to increase visitor numbers and strengthen national brand.

The Government has prioritized tourism’s role in the national economy, leading a dedicated State Tourism Agency and strategic plans to boost the sector include developing new tourist products, partnering with international organizations, travel platforms and launching campaigns like “Take another look” to rebrand the country and reinforce its inbound tourism.

In the Transcaucasian state there is a long - term commitment to sustainable development within the tourism sector, with strategies focused on creating a favourable environment and increasing tourist satisfaction and in addition hosting high - profile sporting events, such as the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix and the UEFA Europe League Final also serve to raise the country’s global profile as a tourist destination of relevance.

The sharp growth in both domestic and international visitor spending signals renewed strength in the country’s tourism economy.

International visitor spending in 2025 is projected to reach ₼5.5 billion, marking a full - post pandemic recovery, while domestic visitor spending is forecast to reach a record new milestone at over ₼3.8 billion, up from ₼3.8 billion in 2009.

WTTC President & CEO, Julia Simpson said that Azerbaijan is turning heads in the global Travel & Tourism sector. With visitor spending rising and employment accelerating, 2025 is shaping up to be a breakthrough year.

These figures reflect growing international appeal and the success of Azerbaijan’s long - term focus on diversification, cultural promotion, and sustainable tourism development and for that WTTC is proud to support the country’s journey.

Looking back at 2024, Azerbaijan’s Travel & Tourism sector contributed ₼7.88 billion to the economy, 10% behind 2019 levels and supported 423.700 jobs. 

International visitor spending reached ₼3.4 billion, a 29% increase year - on - year, while domestic visitor spending totalled ₼3.5 billion, nearly 10% above 2023 levels.

The upward trend across all indicators sets the stage for Azerbaijan to continue rising as a global tourism destination emerging in the international landscape.

Looking ahead, the World Travel & Tourism Council forecasts that by 2035, Azerbaijan’s Travel & Tourism sector will contribute over ₼17 billion, almost 11% of GDP, and support almost 670.000 jobs, and this would represent the creation of nearly 200.000 new jobs over the next decade.

International visitor spending is expected to hit just under ₼9.5 billion, while domestic visitor spending is forecast to reach ₼6.3 billion, reflecting balanced and suistained sector growth.

While the outlook is positive, challenges remain, including the need for increased capacity in local transportation and tourism services with ATB actively working for that. The country to reinforce its inbound tourism is now focusing on a new initiative looking to attract tourists from  Central Asia and continuing to implement new plans in a long - term strategy focused on diversifying its tourism offerings. 

Link 
https://wttc.org/news/azerbaijans-travel-tourism-sector-set-for-strong-growth-in-2025