Azerbaijan Showcases Culinary Tourism Potential at International Gastronomy Event, Here’s All You Need to Know

Published on December 9, 2025

The engagement of the Azerbaijan State Tourism Agency in the International Gastronomy Conference that took place in the city of Pohang in the Republic of South Korea in 2025 sought to advance the rich and diverse cuisines of the Republic of Azerbaijan. This International Conference affected many UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy and served to increase Azerbaijan’s gastro-tourism capabilities and promote diverse international cuisines in the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan’s envoy to the Conference of Gastronomy presented Lankaran City which also recently became a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy Network. This membership advances Lankaran’s position as a global gastronomic city and cultivates its potential in diverse gastronomy, biodiversity, and sustainable innovative culinary practices.

Showcasing Azerbaijan’s Gastronomic Heritage in South Korea

The 2025 Pohang International Gastronomy Conference serves as a major platform for culinary tourism and is aimed at promoting gastronomic tourism and fostering cooperation among cities renowned for their food cultures. During the event, Azerbaijan highlighted the importance of gastronomy tourism in boosting the country’s overall tourism sector, emphasizing the role food plays in connecting visitors to a country’s cultural heritage and local identity.

In her presentation, Azerbaijan’s representative showcased the city of Lankaran, a region known for its exceptional biodiversity, rich agricultural landscape, and distinctive regional dishes. The UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy label was awarded to Lankaran due to its long-standing culinary traditions, which are deeply influenced by its unique geography and climate. The presentation not only emphasized the city’s culinary uniqueness but also how it integrates traditional food practices with modern sustainable tourism strategies.

Lankaran: A Rising Star in Global Gastronomy Tourism

Lankaran’s inclusion in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network is a significant step in promoting the city as a gastro-tourism destination. Known for its mild climate and biodiversity, Lankaran offers a variety of local ingredients and culinary traditions that attract tourists seeking authentic food experiences. The city is celebrated for its local specialties, such as Lankaran tea, a unique product that thrives in the region’s temperate climate, and its diverse array of fruits, vegetables, and seafood.

Lankaran’s gastronomy is influenced by the region’s geography, situated on the coast of the Caspian Sea and near the Talysh Mountains, which provide a variety of ingredients and climate zones that contribute to a diverse culinary palette. The city’s culinary landscape is rich with flavors derived from the traditional use of spices, herbs, and organic farming, making it a top destination for food lovers.

As a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, Lankaran is now positioned to attract not only food tourists but also those interested in exploring the broader cultural and natural aspects of Azerbaijan. The recognition highlights Lankaran’s commitment to sustainable tourism, emphasizing the integration of local communities, traditional food production, and eco-friendly practices in tourism.

Promoting Azerbaijan’s Gastro-Tourism: A Key Growth Area

The International Gastronomy Conference in Pohang also served as a crucial opportunity for Azerbaijan to increase its presence in the global gastro-tourism industry. Food tourism is a growing segment in the global tourism market, and Azerbaijan’s participation in this event aligns with the country’s broader efforts to position itself as a leading culinary destination in Eurasia.

The State Tourism Agency of Azerbaijan has been actively working to promote the country’s gastronomy, focusing on integrating food tourism into its overall tourism strategy. Azerbaijan is home to a rich and diverse food culture, influenced by its unique position at the crossroads of Asia and Europe. From the aromatic kebabs and piti stews to the sweet pastries and baklava, Azerbaijan offers a wealth of culinary experiences that appeal to travelers from around the world.

By showcasing Lankaran’s gastronomic heritage at the conference, Azerbaijan is positioning its regional cities and culinary traditions as an important aspect of its tourism offerings. With its rich agricultural land, unique climate, and deep-rooted food culture, Azerbaijan aims to tap into the growing global trend of tourists seeking authentic, local food experiences.

Building Bridges: Tourism and International Cooperation

The Pohang International Gastronomy Conference not only provided a platform for Azerbaijan to promote its culinary assets but also fostered collaboration between other UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy. Delegations from Japan (represented by Usuki) and China (represented by Yangzhou) shared their experiences in using food culture as a driver for tourism and economic growth.

These exchanges offered valuable insights into how other cities have leveraged gastronomy to enhance their tourism appeal and economic participation. For instance, Usuki, in Japan, is known for its innovative food programs that celebrate the traditional techniques of fermented foods and sustainable fisheries, while Yangzhou in China is recognized for its delicate fine dining traditions that date back over a thousand years.

For Azerbaijan, these international collaborations provide learning opportunities to enhance its own tourism offerings, create strategic partnerships, and exchange knowledge with other food capitals. By aligning with other UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy, Azerbaijan can establish itself as an integral player in the global culinary tourism market.

Culinary Tourism’s Impact on Azerbaijan’s Travel Industry

The growing interest in gastronomy tourism has significant potential to drive economic growth in Azerbaijan. The global demand for food-related travel experiences has surged in recent years, with many tourists choosing destinations based on their culinary offerings. As Azerbaijan continues to promote its gastronomy tourism, the country stands to benefit from increased international arrivals and heightened awareness of its culinary heritage.

Food tourism not only contributes to direct economic benefits, such as increased spending in local restaurants, markets, and food tours, but it also fosters the development of local businesses and entrepreneurship in the tourism sector. Additionally, it supports cultural preservation by encouraging the continuation of traditional cooking methods and the promotion of local ingredients and sustainable practices.

As the tourism sector recovers globally, Azerbaijan’s gastronomy tourism initiatives are poised to play a crucial role in attracting travelers seeking unique, authentic culinary experiences. The inclusion of Lankaran in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network provides a unique selling point for the country’s tourism industry, offering travelers an unparalleled chance to explore the rich food culture of the region.

Azerbaijan’s Gastro-Tourism Potential on the Rise

Azerbaijan and its partaking in the Pohang International Gastronomy Conference is a massive step towards fully endorsing and embracing the nation’s gastronomy tourism potential. The acknowledgment of Lankaran as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, allows and enables Azerbaijan to lure tourists with a love for food, and eco-& cultural tourism from all around the globe.  As the nation keeps improving its tourism infrastructure in its one-of-a-kind belly and culinary traditions, Azerbaijan sets its path towards becoming one of the finest gastronomy touristic destinations. With the help of food-centred sustainable international tourism, Azerbaijan is in a great position, with its culinary tourism heritage, to evolve the tourism potential of the country and use it as an economic stimulator.