Azerbaijan is fast emerging as a favoured travel destination for Indian tourists. With a remarkable surge in visitors from India, streamlined visa processes, and growing business interactions, Azerbaijan is carving a niche in the tourism industry. In an exclusive conversation with Diplomatist, H.E. Mr. Elchin Huseynli, Ambassador of Azerbaijan, shared insights on this burgeoning sector and the factors contributing to its success.
A Significant Surge in Indian Visitors
The year 2024 has been extraordinary for Azerbaijan’s tourism sector, witnessing an exponential increase in Indian tourists. “In January this year, we saw a remarkable increase in the number of Indian visitors to Azerbaijan. We doubled our numbers from 142,024 to 243,000 visitors. In January alone, over 17,000 Indian tourists visited Azerbaijan, the highest number recorded for that month compared to previous years,” noted Ambassador Huseynli.
This surge is a result of Azerbaijan’s proactive measures to simplify travel procedures and promote its tourism potential. The country’s geographical proximity to India, along with a growing interest among middle-class travellers—including teachers, engineers, government officials, and businesspeople—has played a key role in this trend.
Streamlining the Visa Process
One of the most significant factors behind the increase in the number of Indian tourists is Azerbaijan’s highly efficient visa process. “Indian travellers can obtain a visa within three days, and for urgent cases, there is an express service where a visa can be granted in just three hours. In fact, some travellers apply for a visa before boarding their flights and receive approval by the time they land in Azerbaijan,” explained the Ambassador. This efficiency has positioned Azerbaijan as a tourist-friendly destination, particularly in contrast to countries where visa rejections are a common challenge.
Proactive Tourism Promotion
To further strengthen its tourism sector, Azerbaijan has actively engaged with Indian travel agencies, participated in tourism fairs, and utilized digital platforms for outreach. “Our tourism industry has been actively engaging with Indian travel companies, participating in tourism fairs, and promoting our destination through social media and local representatives,” Ambassador Huseynli emphasised.
The country’s focus on collaboration has led to several initiatives aimed at enhancing tourism ties. “This year, we had 25 Azerbaijani companies participating in SATTE, and we even have a dedicated tourism representative in Mumbai. We collaborate with numerous travel agencies, making it a largely B2B-driven initiative,” he added.
Enhancing Connectivity: Direct Flights and Expansion Plans
Improved flight connectivity has played a crucial role in facilitating travel between India and Azerbaijan. “We already have direct flights to Mumbai and are working on increasing weekly flight frequencies on both sides. This expansion will provide Indian travellers with more options and convenience,” the Ambassador revealed. This move is expected to further boost tourism and business interactions between the two nations.
Beyond Tourism: Strengthening Business and Cultural Ties
While tourism remains a focal point, Azerbaijan’s growing appeal extends beyond leisure travel. “In addition to tourism, business interactions have also seen a rise. Many Indian companies are looking at Azerbaijan as a potential market, and increased flights will facilitate business engagements,” Ambassador Huseynli stated.
Moreover, historical ties between India and Azerbaijan add a cultural dimension to this growing relationship. “There is a growing interest among Indian travellers in exploring Azerbaijan’s rich cultural heritage, including historical sites that were built by Indian merchants centuries ago,” he noted. From adventure tourism to heritage exploration, Azerbaijan offers diverse experiences catering to different traveller preferences.
A Bright Future for India-Azerbaijan Tourism Relations
Looking ahead, the Ambassador remains optimistic about the continued growth of tourism between India and Azerbaijan. “Tourism will continue to thrive. Increased tourism strengthens people-to-people connections, fosters business opportunities, and enhances cultural exchanges. We look forward to welcoming more Indian visitors to Azerbaijan in the coming years,” he affirmed.
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