Azerbaijan and Turkey Collaborate on Agritourism Growth by the Expert Visit, Boosting Rural Tourism, Infrastructure, and Sustainable Development

Published on November 28, 2025

A delegation of Turkish agritourism experts arrived in Azerbaijan to familiarize themselves with agribusiness tourism opportunities in the country’s countryside from November 25 to 28, 2025. The visit was organized under “Experience Exchange Programme on Agritourism and Field Visits” as a continuation of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Turkey within sustainable tourism development and rural tourism promotion across both countries.

The expert delegation toured sites in Azerbaijan’s rural regions, including tea plantations, farms, bamboo groves, apitherapy facilities, fisheries, and Hirkan National Park. These visits provided the experts with an opportunity to gain insight into the potential for agribusiness tourism in Azerbaijan and share knowledge on agritourism development in both countries.

Strengthening Agritourism for Tourism Growth and Economic Development

The collaboration between Azerbaijan and Turkey reflects a shared vision for expanding agribusiness tourism as a key pillar of both countries’ tourism strategies. By integrating agriculture with tourism, both nations aim to drive economic growth and job creation in rural communities. The tourism impact is significant, as agritourism promotes sustainable travel while boosting the local economy through increased demand for agriculture-based tourism experiences.

This collaboration is expected to expand the tourism sector in Azerbaijan, attracting visitors who seek authentic, farm-based tourism experiences. The successful integration of agribusiness with cultural heritage offers a unique opportunity to diversify tourism offerings, extending the tourism season and generating revenue for local businesses in rural areas.

Knowledge Sharing: Agritourism Practices in Turkey’s Trabzon and Rize

During the visit, Turkish specialists shared valuable insights into agribusiness tourism practices in Turkey’s Trabzon and Rize regions, which have successfully integrated agriculture with tourism. These regions are known for their tea gardens, agricultural festivals, and farm stays that attract both local and international visitors.

Azerbaijan’s tourism sector is benefiting from this exchange, gaining ideas on how to develop similar agritourism models that combine agriculture, eco-tourism, and cultural tourism. The cooperation also helps Azerbaijan improve its tourism infrastructure, allowing it to offer tourists a more immersive experience in rural areas. This exchange is expected to create a stronger agritourism sector in both countries, driving sustainable growth in the tourism industry.

Rural Tourism’s Growing Role in Azerbaijan’s Economic and Tourism Growth

The rising popularity of agritourism in Azerbaijan aligns with the country’s broader strategy to enhance its tourism industry while supporting local businesses. By promoting farm-based tourism and offering authentic, rural experiences, Azerbaijan can cater to tourists seeking off-the-beaten-path destinations that offer cultural immersion and nature-based experiences.

Rural tourism not only benefits the tourism sector but also helps preserve local traditions and cultural heritage while ensuring economic benefits for small-scale farmers and artisan businesses. As more travelers look for authentic, nature-focused travel experiences, Azerbaijan’s agribusiness tourism sector is set to become a major driver of growth in the country’s tourism economy.

The Future of Agritourism: Sustainable Growth and Regional Cooperation

Looking ahead, the future of agribusiness tourism in Azerbaijan and Turkey is promising. By building on their existing partnerships, both countries can develop sustainable tourism models that benefit local communities and environmental conservation. The exchange of knowledge and best practices between Azerbaijan and Turkey is creating new opportunities for tourism development in rural regions, fostering long-term economic stability and resilient communities.

The tourism impact of agritourism will extend beyond just local tourism, attracting international visitors who seek experiential travel in authentic and eco-friendly destinations. The continued growth of this sector will position both Azerbaijan and Turkey as leaders in the global agritourism market, encouraging responsible tourism and cultural exchange between countries.

Strengthening Local Economies and Rural Development Through Agritourism

Agritourism is becoming a key strategy for Azerbaijan to drive economic growth in rural areas, where tourism infrastructure can create jobs and support small businesses. The collaboration with Turkey will continue to promote local empowerment, fostering opportunities for farmers, craftspeople, and local tourism operators to engage with a wider range of tourists.

The government’s investment in tourism infrastructure will help ensure that rural tourism in Azerbaijan can sustainably grow, attracting more visitors and generating greater economic returns. As agritourism becomes a more prominent part of Azerbaijan’s tourism offerings, it will create a model for other countries seeking to combine agriculture and tourism for long-term prosperity.

The Long-Term Impact of Agritourism on Azerbaijan’s Tourism Future

This cooperation between Azerbaijan and Turkey in agribusiness tourism is a milestone toward developing a sustainable tourism model that will have a positive impact on both local communities and the environment. Through farm-based tourism, eco-tourism, and showcasing local cultural heritage, Azerbaijan is positioning itself as a leader in agritourism and as a premium destination for authentic travelers.

This growing sector will further affect local economies in terms of job opportunities, investment, and long-term sustainability for tourism in both countries. As Azerbaijan continues to develop its agribusiness tourism offerings, it fuels economic diversification while preserving the country’s cultural heritage and aligning tourism growth with sustainable practices.