Azerbaijan’s vibrant tourism potential is being showcased for the first time at the “GITF 16” (Guangzhou International Tourism Exhibition) from May 16-18, 2024. This initiative, organized by the State Tourism Agency and the Azerbaijan Tourism Board, aims to promote the country’s unique travel experiences to the Chinese market. Azerbaijan’s representation at the exhibition includes six local partners, such as Azerbaijan Airlines and the Shahdag Mountain Resort and Reserves Management Center, alongside the Azerbaijan Tourism Board. The booth offers visitors comprehensive information about Azerbaijan’s rich history, tourism hotspots, national cuisine, winemaking traditions, and cultural landmarks. Key highlights at the exhibition include information on UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Cultural Landscape of Khinalig and the ‘Köç Yolu’ Transhumance Route, Baku’s Icherisheher (Old City of Baku), the Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape, and the Sheki Historic Center. Guests can also taste traditional Azerbaijani sweets and learn about business tourism opportunities in Azerbaijan. Additionally, visitors can explore the robust flight infrastructure, with direct connections between Azerbaijan and China via AZAL Airlines, which operates Baku–Beijing flights twice a week, and China Southern Airlines, which operates Baku–Urumqi flights twice a week. On the first day of the exhibition, the Azerbaijan Tourism Board’s representative office in China held a detailed destination presentation, showcasing Azerbaijan’s diverse tourism offerings. Furthermore, on May 16, 2024, the Azerbaijan Tourism Board was honored with the prestigious “Chinese Tourist Welcome Award 2024” by the China Outbound Tourism Research Institute. Azerbaijan secured the silver award in the “Overall Performance” category and won first place in the “Most Charming Tourism Destination” category at GITF. GITF 2024 also facilitates meetings with representatives from China and other participating countries, along with media interviews to further promote Azerbaijan’s tourism sector. Notably, the number of Chinese tourists visiting Azerbaijan in 2023 reached 2,086,548, marking a 30% increase compared to 2022.
Unlocking Azerbaijan’s Tourism Treasures at GITF 16
