Saturday, February 24, 2024
The Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB) is making its presence felt once again at the South Asia Travel and Tourism Exchange (SATTE), a premier travel and tourism exhibition in the region, slated to occur from February 22nd to 24th, 2024, in New Delhi, India.
SATTE serves as a vital platform for industry professionals to connect and stay abreast of the latest trends and advancements in travel and tourism. Collaborating with 19 industry partners, including representatives from the hospitality sector, tour operators, and tourism agencies, Azerbaijan is showcasing a diverse array of travel experiences. These range from urban and wellness retreats at top-notch resorts to thrilling skiing adventures in the Caucasus Mountains, alongside a delectable journey through traditional Azerbaijani cuisine. Underscoring the significance of the occasion, Elchin Huseynli, the Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to India, paid a visit to the stand, underscoring the robust bilateral relations between the two nations.
Moreover, a networking dinner has been arranged to foster collaboration between Indian tourism professionals and media representatives, with the aim of nurturing closer bonds and facilitating the exchange of ideas with Azerbaijani counterparts. The event witnessed the participation of 49 travel industry experts, including representatives from IndiGo, along with 11 media personnel.
As part of the exhibition activities, Florian Sengstschmid, CEO of the Azerbaijan Tourism Board, engaged in a panel discussion organized by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), focusing on prevailing tourism trends. During this session, Mr. Sengstschmid elucidated Azerbaijan’s visionary approach to the evolving tourism landscape. He articulated the nation’s ambitious goals within a strategic framework designed not only to boost visitor arrivals but also to surpass them by diversifying tourism offerings and target markets.
Central to this strategy is the implementation of sustainable initiatives aimed at broadening the spectrum of tourism experiences and products. This entails expanding offerings to cater to both existing and emerging source markets, while ensuring growth aligns with local interests. Embracing this approach involves tailoring experiences and products to resonate with new markets, while also deepening the understanding of Azerbaijan among existing ones.
“It is great to be back to SATTE to showcase Azerbaijan’s tourism potential to such a diverse audience. In 2023, Azerbaijan witnessed a significant recovery in international tourist arrivals, welcoming 2,086,443 visitors. This represents a recovery trajectory towards our pre-Covid levels, where we had recorded 3,167,869 international tourists in 2019. Despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic, our efforts in revitalizing the tourism sector have been fruitful, achieving approximately 70% of our pre-pandemic tourist arrival numbers,” said Florian Sengstschmid, CEO of the Azerbaijan Tourism Board. “We anticipate a continued rise in arrival numbers and recognize the importance of participation in exhibitions like SATTE, crucial for fostering collaborations and advancing tourism development.”
In January of 2024, the influx of Indian travelers to Azerbaijan surged significantly, reaching 10,135 compared to the 4,098 recorded in January 2023. This notable increase underscores Azerbaijan’s growing appeal as a favored destination among Indian tourists. This trend can be attributed to several factors, including the ease of access facilitated by convenient flight options, streamlined e-visa procedures, and the country’s reputation as a vibrant cultural and business hub within the region. The accessibility of e-visas, obtainable within three days via evisa.gov.az, coupled with non-stop flights, enables travelers to reach the heart of the Caucasus region in approximately four hours. Direct flights from Delhi, operated by Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) and IndiGo, offer increased convenience, with AZAL also providing direct flights to Mumbai twice weekly. IndiGo plans to expand its services by increasing flights from Delhi. Azerbaijan’s allure lies in its unique blend of familiar cultural landmarks and novel experiences, attracting a growing number of tourists.
Azerbaijan, boasting a rich history spanning 5,000 years, is a secure and family-friendly destination. Influenced by travelers traversing the Great Silk Road, the country’s diverse culture has flourished over the ages. A prime example of this heritage is Ateshgah, the Fire Temple adorned with Sanskrit inscriptions and flames, captivating visitors with its historical significance. Azerbaijan offers diverse tourism opportunities, including UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Old City of Baku, the Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape, the Sheki Historic Centre, and newly inscribed attractions like Khinalig village and ‘Köç Yolu’. While Baku presents a bustling urban life with its museums and trendy bars, the regions offer natural wonders for hiking and skiing in the Caucasus Mountains. With world-class infrastructure including the Skytrax 5-star rated Baku International Airport, chain hotels, iconic Flame Towers, and exceptional facilities like the Baku Congress Centre and Heydar Aliyev Centre, Azerbaijan is well-equipped to host events and welcome visitors from around the globe.
Saturday, April 27, 2024
