From December 5 to 10, 2024, the Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB) hosted a specialized familiarization trip for 27 prominent tourism representatives from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman. This initiative, organized in collaboration with Flynas Airlines, was designed to introduce Gulf tourism professionals to Azerbaijan’s rich winter tourism offerings 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 commercial ties, reinforcing Azerbaijan’s status as an emerging global tourism destination. The collaboration is set to boost tourism flows between Azerbaijan and the Gulf region, driving greater exchange and cooperation in the tourism sector.

A major highlight of the trip was a visit to Shahdag Mountain Resort, where the Gulf delegates had the chance to experience the cutting-edge ski facilities and immerse themselves in the resort’s impressive winter tourism offerings. The trip not only highlighted Azerbaijan’s natural beauty but also underscored the country’s commitment to developing adventure tourism and enhancing its infrastructure for international visitors. With its snow-capped mountains and scenic vistas, Shahdag serves as a prime example of the country’s growing appeal as a winter tourism hub.

The familiarity trip also provided an opportunity to explore Azerbaijan’s cultural and heritage-rich attractions. From ancient landmarks to vibrant cities, Azerbaijan offers a unique blend of modern amenities and rich history, appealing to travelers seeking a diverse and immersive travel 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 tourists seeking a combination of outdoor activities and heritage-rich experiences.

With easy access to Azerbaijan from the Gulf region, the trip also highlighted 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, with standard processing taking just 3 working days or expedited processing available in as little as 3 hours. With direct flights and convenient travel routes that typically last around 3 hours, Azerbaijan is becoming an increasingly popular destination for travelers from the Gulf countries.

This familiarization trip served as a stepping stone in solidifying Azerbaijan’s reputation as an attractive, accessible, and diverse destination for Gulf tourists seeking winter adventures, cultural exploration, and unique natural experiences. The collaboration between Azerbaijan and the Gulf tourism sector is set to flourish, benefiting both sides with deeper business relationships and increased tourism potential.