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From December 5 to 10, 2024, the Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB) organized an exclusive familiarization tour for 27 leading tourism representatives from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman. The initiative, organized in collaboration with Flynas Airlines, was designed to introduce Gulf tourism professionals to Azerbaijan’s rich winter tourism opportunities as well as its diverse natural and cultural landscapes.

The trip featured a series of B2B meetings that brought together around 45 Azerbaijani tourism stakeholders and their Gulf counterparts. These dynamic interactions provided an invaluable opportunity to explore potential partnerships and strengthen business ties, further strengthening Azerbaijan’s position as an emerging global tourism destination. The collaboration is set to boost tourism flows between Azerbaijan and the Gulf region, leading to greater exchanges and cooperation in the tourism sector.

A highlight of the trip was a visit to the Shahdag Mountain Resort, where Gulf delegates had the opportunity to experience state-of-the-art ski facilities and immerse themselves in the resort’s impressive winter tourism offerings. The tour not only showcased Azerbaijan’s natural beauty, but also underlined the country’s commitment to developing adventure tourism and enhancing its infrastructure for international visitors. With its snow-capped mountains and picturesque scenery, Shahdag serves as a prime example of the country’s growing appeal as a winter tourism hub.

The familiarization tour also provided an opportunity to explore Azerbaijan’s rich cultural and heritage attractions. From ancient landmarks to vibrant cities, Azerbaijan offers a unique blend of modern amenities and rich history, attracting travelers seeking a diverse and immersive experience. The Azerbaijan Tourism Board aims to position the country as a leading destination for both adventure tourism and cultural exploration, making it an ideal choice for Gulf travelers seeking a combination of outdoor activities and heritage-rich experiences.

With easy access to Azerbaijan from the Gulf region, the trip also highlights the seamless travel experience available to tourists. Citizens of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman can easily obtain an e-Visa through the official evisa.gov.az portal, the standard process takes only 3 working days or the expedited process is available in 3 hours. With direct flights and convenient travel routes that usually last around 3 hours, Azerbaijan is becoming an increasingly popular destination for tourists from the Gulf countries.

This introductory tour served as a stepping stone in cementing Azerbaijan’s reputation as an attractive, accessible and diverse destination for Gulf travelers in search of winter adventures, cultural exploration and unique natural experiences. Cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Gulf tourism sector is set to grow further, bringing closer business ties and increased tourism potential to both sides.