Azerbaijan has become a destination partner of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), stepping into pool of transformative opportunities for country’s tourism sector, and solidifying its position as one of the leading destinations within the global tourism industry. Being the largest global private sector travel and tourism network, WTTC has mission to maximize the inclusive and sustainable growth potential of the sector by partnering with governments, and understanding in our world.
Joining the WTTC brings certain number of significant benefits to Azerbaijan. First and foremost, WTTC membership positions Azerbaijan’s tourism sector at the forefront of the private and economy. It also plays a role of linkage to the public sector, paving the way for interactions with government officials and high-level policy discussions. By actively interacting with other WTTC members, Azerbaijan strengths its network and fosters deeper connections among leaders of both public and private sectors. The membership allows Azerbaijan to encompasses the entire supply chain of Travel and Tourism, which includes engagement with stakeholders focused on topics such as Sustainability and Future Technology in Travel. In addition to becoming a partner destination, Azerbaijan has also joined the WTTC’s Hostel Sustainability Basics (‘Basics’) partnership. This partnership implies globally recognized and coordinated set of sustainability indicators that all hotels are encouraged to implement as a minimum standard. Developed by industry for the industry, they represent the 12 actions that are fundamental to hotel sustainability. Being a premier partner of basics, Azerbaijan implements criteria set by WTTC to raise the bottom floor sustainability in the sector.
Being a destination partner, Azerbaijan is making its debut appearance at the WTTC Global Summit in Kigali, Rwanda, from November 1st to 3rd with theme “Building Bridges to a Sustainable Future”. The delegation includes Mr. Fuad Naghiyev, Chairman of the State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Kanan Gasimov, the Head of Administration at the State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Mr. Florian Sengstschmid, CEO of Azerbaijan Tourism Board, who had a productive meeting with Ms. Julia Simpson, President and CEO of WTTC. By participating in the WTTC Global Summit, Azerbaijan seizes the opportunity to contribute to the global discussions on the challenges and solutions of sustainable tourism development. Attending WTTC Global Summit is an opportunity to be at the forefront of shaping a sector that is not only resilient but is also committed to the principles of sustainability and inclusivity, which are the focal points of Azerbaijan’s tourism strategy.
The development of tourism experiences in Azerbaijan, follows the strategy that goes beyond attracting tourists, but also creating unique, sustainable experiences that drive regional growth. The recent inscription of Khinalig and the ‘Köç Yolu’ Transhumance Route to the UNESCO list further highlights Azerbaijan’s commitment to preserving its rich cultural and natural heritage. Sustainability has been a big part of Azerbaijan’s tourism strategy which lead to the development of many eco-friendly experiences such as birdwatching and hiking, preservation of local products and age-old cooking methods within the framework of Slow Food Travel, as well as protection of touristic sites through sustainable heritage management. The focus on the development of local wine industry established Azerbaijan as one of the thriving centres of viticulture in the region and celebrated with a number of prizes by the Council of Europe and the European Institute of Cultural Routes.
In Azerbaijan, the needs of today’s travellers are met by the availability of a wide range of modern amenities, such as world-class hotels, upscale restaurants, and shopping centres. Azerbaijan boasts a wealth of attractions, including the UNESCO-listed Old City of Baku, the Caucasus Mountains, the Caspian Sea, and the ancient Silk Road.