Visitor Numbers to Azerbaijan Dip With Russia and Turkey Top Countries of Origin

Published on December 19, 2025

Tourist arrivals to Azerbaijan decreased by 2% in the first eleven months of 2025, with 2.3 million foreigners and stateless persons visiting the country. This data, released by the State Statistical Committee of Azerbaijan, provides insights into the international travel trends for the country, showing a slight decline compared to the same period in the previous year. Despite this decline, Azerbaijan remains a significant destination for travelers from various parts of the world.

The data also highlights the countries that are the biggest sources of visitors to Azerbaijan. The most notable visitor groups come from neighboring Russia, Turkey, and Iran, with citizens from these countries constituting a significant portion of the total arrivals. Other countries contributing to Azerbaijan’s tourism include India, Georgia, Saudi Arabia, and Kazakhstan, among others.

Breakdown of Tourist Arrivals by Country

According to the State Statistical Committee, the largest proportion of tourist arrivals to Azerbaijan came from the Russian Federation, accounting for 24.2% of all visitors. This is followed by Turkey with 17.6%, and Iran with 8.1%. The strong presence of these neighboring countries reflects Azerbaijan’s position as a key regional destination.

Additionally, tourists from India made up 6.4% of the total arrivals, followed by Georgia at 4.3%, and Saudi Arabia at 4.2%. Visitors from Kazakhstan represented 4.1% of arrivals, while Pakistan accounted for 3.5%. Other significant contributors include China (2.6%), Israel (2.5%), Uzbekistan (2.4%), the United Arab Emirates (1.6%), Ukraine (1.5%), Turkmenistan (1.3%), Belarus and Great Britain (1.1% each), and Kuwait (1.0%).

While the overall number of visitors has decreased, the strong representation of regional countries indicates that Azerbaijan continues to be a prominent destination for tourists from its immediate vicinity. The 12.5% of visitors from “other countries” also shows the diversity of travelers who visit Azerbaijan, reflecting the country’s broad appeal as an international tourist destination.

Tourism Sector Demographics: Gender and Visitor Trends

The gender distribution of tourists reveals an interesting pattern. According to the data, 66.7% of the arrivals were men, while 33.3% were women. This imbalance is reflective of the general trend observed in many countries, where male travelers often make up a larger portion of the international visitor demographic, particularly for certain types of tourism such as business and adventure tourism.

Factors Influencing the Decline in Tourist Arrivals

Several factors may have contributed to the 2% decline in tourist arrivals to Azerbaijan in 2025. International travel patterns, geopolitical dynamics, and economic conditions in source countries could all play a role in influencing the number of visitors to Azerbaijan. The political and economic environment in countries such as Russia and Turkey, which are among the top sources of visitors to Azerbaijan, may have had an impact on the number of outbound tourists.

Azerbaijan’s tourism industry may also have been affected by broader global travel trends. For example, fluctuating exchange rates, regional instability, and global economic conditions can affect the willingness and ability of potential tourists to travel abroad. Additionally, Azerbaijan’s tourism infrastructure, while growing, may still face challenges in attracting a wider array of international tourists from regions outside the immediate vicinity.

Azerbaijan’s Key Attractions for International Tourists

Despite the slight decline in tourist arrivals, Azerbaijan continues to offer a rich array of attractions for visitors. Baku, the capital, remains a focal point for international travelers, with its stunning skyline, modern architecture, and historic sites like the Flame Towers and the Old City (Icherisheher). The city is also home to cultural institutions such as the Heydar Aliyev Center, designed by architect Zaha Hadid, which has become a symbol of Azerbaijan’s modern identity.

Beyond Baku, the country’s diverse landscapes attract tourists to destinations such as Gobustan National Park, known for its ancient petroglyphs, and the Caspian Sea coast, where visitors can relax by the beach or enjoy the spa resorts. Azerbaijan’s rich cultural heritage, combined with its natural beauty, continues to draw interest from tourists in the region and beyond.

Tourism and Economic Impact of Visitor Numbers

Tourism plays a significant role in Azerbaijan’s economy, and despite the slight decline in 2025, the sector remains an important contributor to the country’s overall economic performance. In addition to the revenue generated from foreign visitors, tourism creates jobs and supports a variety of industries, including hospitality, transportation, retail, and entertainment.

Azerbaijan’s government has recognized the importance of tourism to its economic development and has made efforts to improve infrastructure, streamline visa processes, and promote the country internationally. Initiatives such as the development of new hotel complexes, transportation networks, and cultural programs aim to enhance the visitor experience and stimulate further growth in the sector.

Looking Ahead: Future Trends in Azerbaijan’s Tourism Industry

Azerbaijan’s tourism sector is expected to continue evolving in the coming years, with a focus on both attracting more international visitors and expanding its domestic tourism offerings. The country is also likely to place greater emphasis on sustainability and eco-tourism, as global trends shift toward responsible and environmentally conscious travel.

To reverse the decline in arrivals, Azerbaijan may need to strengthen its appeal to new markets, particularly in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Expanding international air routes, increasing awareness of Azerbaijan’s cultural and historical significance, and enhancing tourism services will likely be key to boosting visitor numbers in the future.

Conclusion

While Azerbaijan experienced a slight decline in tourist arrivals in 2025, the country remains an important and attractive destination for travelers from around the world. The significant presence of visitors from Russia, Turkey, and Iran, coupled with the country’s rich cultural offerings and natural beauty, ensures that Azerbaijan will continue to play a key role in regional tourism. With ongoing investment in infrastructure and promotional efforts, Azerbaijan’s tourism industry is well-positioned for future growth.