Azerbaijan is rapidly emerging as a key player in the European tourism landscape, following a year of exceptional growth and increasing international recognition. The country recorded a 25.9% rise in inbound tourism in 2024—more than double the global average—reflecting its rising appeal as a destination that blends Eastern traditions with European connectivity.

These developments were at the heart of the 71st meeting of the UNWTO European Regional Commission, held in Baku from 4 to 6 June 2025. The event brought together senior tourism policymakers and international stakeholders, marking a major diplomatic and sectoral milestone for Azerbaijan. During the session, the State Tourism Agency officially presented Azerbaijan’s candidacy for the Executive Council of the Commission for the 2025–2029 term, reaffirming its commitment to shaping the regional tourism agenda.

Fuad Nagiyev, Chairman of the State Tourism Agency, noted that Azerbaijan has served on the Executive Council three times previously, including as chair in 2017. “This year, we are putting forward our candidacy again, and we look forward to continued cooperation and fruitful joint efforts in the years ahead,” he stated. Azerbaijan, a member of the Commission since 2001, is now among nine countries vying for five open seats on the Executive Council, alongside Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Greece, and others.

The Baku meeting followed a series of strategic engagements with the UNWTO, including consultations held during FITUR 2025 in Madrid and follow-up discussions at the UNWTO headquarters. The final decision to convene the 71st session in Azerbaijan was made in April during the Commission’s 70th meeting in Tirana,........

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