On 18-20 May 2022, Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB) will participate at the SATTE 2022 to reconnect with its tourism partners in India. With more than 10 local partners Azerbaijan is showcasing all its products available for travellers to explore, from exhilarating outdoor activities to soul- and body-soothing health and wellness opportunities and mouth-watering national cuisine, as well as all the upgrades in the overall tourism industry of the country. “We are very excited to return to India, particularly SATTE after such a long pause and reconnect with our industry partners, such as airlines, tour operators, OTAs and media. Over these last two years we have worked tirelessly to make sure our new and returning travellers from India will feel comfortable and safe while enjoying all the beauties of our beloved destination,” said Bahruz Asgarov, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Azerbaijan Tourism Board.
Azerbaijan reached a record number of arrivals in 2019 – 3.2 million, and India was one of the top source markets with 65 thousand arrivals – this meant substantial growth of 66.8% compared to 2018. According to final arrival figures, in January-April of 2022, Azerbaijan welcomed more than 6,170 Indian tourists. “If we compare it with statistics of the same period of 2019, we are still a little behind. But numbers show steady growth and with this positive tendency we aim to reach and exceed pre-pandemic numbers soon,” added Asgarov.ATB has long been working on developing sustainable tourism experiences that are well-suited to the expectations of today’s travellers, while at the same time prioritising its mission of preserving and reinforcing the existing resources of the country. The Slow Food Travel experiences, new hiking, camping and glamping routes, Mud Volcanoes Tourism Complex, and birdwatching are just some of these unique products.
The country is a perfect destination for solo travellers and women groups as it is one of the safest countries according to the “Located in the diverse Caucasus region, Azerbaijan is the perfect setting for everyone: from intimate families to sophisticated gastronomists, to those who really know how to party,” added Asgarov.Azerbaijan is an emerging wedding destination with everything that one needs to celebrate their special day. From exciting venues and epic landscapes to soothing spas and adrenaline-filled activities, the country provides the best experience for destination weddings filled with countless unforgettable moments. The country also offers lots of family- and kids-friendly activities such as safari tours in Shamakhi surrounded by the Caucasus Mountains, the Alpine Coaster at Shahdag Mountain Resort, infinity swings at Tufandag Mountain Resort, the world's first oil tanker museum and the reconstructed zoo in the capital city, Baku, which are all new experiences.
With great choice of purpose-built event venues and accommodation options that range from luxury hotels in cutting-edge buildings; international and local hotel chains; and family-run establishments through to small, quaint inns and youth hostels — and anything in between Azerbaijan is well suited to host MICE groups and business events. Another integral part of ATB’s activities is to continue research on how best to develop tourism offerings in Karabakh, where major restoration work continues at full speed. With one international airport opened and two more under construction, this destination is set to combine interesting experiences across outdoor activities, health and wellness, cultural routes and other areas. Azerbaijan will also host the 6th Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix this 10-12 June. Unlike 2021, this year spectators are welcome to enjoy one of the most unpredictable F1 race weekends, with tickets available since February.
Additionally, Ritz-Carlton and Hotel Indigo will soon be added to the list of recently opened luxury hotels, which includesCourtyard by Marriott Baku and InterContinental Baku, where excellent services and quality await Indian travellers, including wedding planners.Meanwhile, there are numerous other accommodation types, varying from runaway houses at mountain tops to boutique hotels, in the city centre. Azerbaijan is now open to 87 countries by air travel. With restored connections via multiple international airlines and easy e-visa procedures, passengers aged 18 and over can now fly to Azerbaijan by submitting a COVID passport (an official document issued by the relevant country on complete vaccination or recovery from COVID-19).You can find out more about the wonders of this pleasantly surprising country at Azerbaijan.travel.
About the Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB)
The Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB) is the national promotion body established under the State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Its main objectives are to support the growth of Azerbaijan’s tourism industry and encourage visitors to explore the country’s rich cultural offerings and experience its ancient heritage.