AGP Executive Report

Direct Air Links: Azerbaijan Airlines will resume scheduled direct flights between Baku and Jeddah from September 15, 2026, with four weekly services (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays), giving travelers easier access to Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea hub and the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. Cultural Tourism in Shusha: Azerbaijani religious figures from Türkiye, Georgia and Iraq visited Shusha under the “Path of Victory: Following the Footsteps of Victory” project, touring key heritage sites including the Victory Monument, Natavan’s house and the Govhar Agha mosques. Azerbaijan–China Cooperation: A New Azerbaijan Party meeting with a Chinese Communist Party delegation highlighted expanding ties across transport, logistics, education, tourism and green energy, with Belt and Road and the Zangezur Corridor cited as priorities. Regional Travel & Safety Watch: Israel’s National Security Council issued travel warnings advising Israelis to avoid Bangladesh and several other countries, flagging Azerbaijan, Turkey and the UAE as areas of particular concern. Middle Corridor Update: The shrinking Caspian Sea is already cutting cargo capacity on the Middle Corridor, with ports and vessels facing higher costs from dredging and berth changes. Diaspora & Turkey: Azerbaijan and Türkiye signed an MoU on diaspora cooperation, aiming to strengthen ties between communities abroad. Sports Tourism: PASHA Real Estate is partnering as an event supporter for the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2026 in Baku (Sept. 24–26).

Azerbaijan–Russia Air Link: Azerbaijan Airlines will restart direct Baku–Astrakhan flights on September 30, with service three times a week (Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays), cutting travel time to about 1 hour 25 minutes and boosting Caspian-region connectivity. Azerbaijan Tourism & Hospitality: Two Azerai properties in Vietnam—Azerai Ke Ga Bay and Azerai La Residence, Hue—were ranked among Asia’s top hotels for service in Smart Travel Asia’s Best in Travel Poll 2026, highlighting the brand’s service reputation. Humanitarian Access: The ICRC says it has not yet received approval to revisit Armenians held in Azerbaijan; if granted, it would organize the visit quickly but would not announce it in advance. Regional Travel Climate: Israel’s National Security Council issued updated holiday travel safety guidance, flagging higher risks for Israelis in countries including Turkey and Azerbaijan, while noting Cyprus as among the lowest-risk destinations. Sports Tourism Spotlight: Sabah’s Champions League debut is set for Old Trafford against Manchester United, putting Azerbaijan’s club on a major European travel-and-fans map.

Azerbaijan–Russia Air Link: Azerbaijan Airlines will restart direct Baku–Astrakhan flights on September 30, 2026, with three weekly services (Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays) using Embraer E-190 aircraft, cutting travel time to about 1 hour 25 minutes. ICRC Humanitarian Update: The ICRC says it has not yet received approval to revisit Armenians held in Azerbaijan; any visit would only be made public after completion, with the last ICRC visit recorded in December 2025. Baku Tourism & Business Expo Pipeline: Bangladesh’s Bangladesh Travel and Tourism Fair (Oct. 29–Nov. 1) is set to draw 20+ countries; Azerbaijan is among expected participants, alongside Türkiye, UAE, China, Pakistan, Thailand and more. Azerbaijan in Regional Safety Advisories: Israel’s National Security Council highlights heightened holiday-season risks for Israelis abroad, naming nearby countries including Azerbaijan among those considered more vulnerable. Military Personnel Leisure Cooperation: Azerbaijan and Bulgaria held a working meeting under their 2026 defense plan to exchange practices on cultural and social affairs for military personnel, including use of holiday and recreational facilities. COP29 Transparency Push: COP29 lead negotiator Yalchin Rafiyev says Azerbaijan is driving transparency forward, including support for countries’ Biennial Transparency Reports via the Baku Global Climate Transparency Platform. Azerbaijan–Bulgaria Tourism/Flights Talk: Azerbaijan and Bulgaria discussed closer tourism cooperation and restoring direct flights, with officials pointing to practical steps for travel links.

Champions League in Baku: Sabah FC’s historic home games in the UEFA Champions League league phase are set for Baku Olympic Stadium, with matches confirmed vs Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund, Napoli and Slavia Prague at home, and a start on Sept. 10 away at Manchester United. Tourism & culture events: Baku hosts “The Heart of History on the Caspian Shore: Shanliurfa Culture Days,” a two-day showcase of Türkiye’s southeastern heritage with exhibitions, crafts, cuisine and performances at Icherisheher Square. Travel safety (Israel-linked advisories): Israel’s National Security Council issued updated holiday travel guidance, flagging higher risks for Israelis abroad and naming nearby countries including Azerbaijan among areas of concern tied to Iran-linked threats. Diplomacy with travel potential: President Ilham Aliyev sent a congratulatory letter to Eswatini’s King Mswati III, citing “favorable conditions” for strengthening Azerbaijan–Eswatini relations after the king’s May visit to Baku for WUF13. Heritage protection: Authorities reiterated rules against damaging inscriptions and polluting historical sites in Shusha and the Jidir Plain, warning tourists that violations will be punished.

Azerbaijan–Eswatini Diplomacy: President Ilham Aliyev says “favorable conditions” are in place to deepen ties with Eswatini, praising King Mswati III’s May visit to Baku for WUF13 and pledging continued cooperation. Travel Safety Watch: Israel’s National Security Council issued updated holiday travel guidance for Israelis and Jews abroad, warning of heightened terror motivation tied to Iran and its proxies; it flags nearby countries including Turkey and Azerbaijan, while urging avoidance of several higher-risk destinations. Tourism & Connectivity: Tajik Ambassador Ilhom Abdurahmon calls relations with Azerbaijan “high level,” highlighting growing tourism links and direct Baku–Dushanbe flights four times weekly with plans to expand. Sports Tourism in Baku: Sabah FC’s UEFA Champions League home matches are set for Baku Olympic Stadium, with the club beginning its campaign on Sept. 10 at Manchester United. Local Heritage Rules: Authorities reiterate that visitors must not write or paint on rocks in Shusha’s Jidir Plain and other historical sites, with fines and enforcement for violations. Regional Travel Policy: Thailand will cut visa-free stays from 60 to 30 days from Sept. 15, affecting many nationalities including Azerbaijan.

Visa & Entry Rules: Thailand will cut its visa-free maximum stay from 60 to 30 days from September 15, with a capped two visits per year; Azerbaijan is also listed as one of only three nationalities eligible for visa on arrival. Regional Travel Safety: South Korea lifted special travel advisories for parts of Thailand, Turkey, Azerbaijan and Ethiopia after risks eased, while keeping alerts for some border areas. Azerbaijan Tourism Promotion: Saudi newspaper Okaz spotlights Baku’s walkable old city, landmarks like the Maiden Tower, and growing Saudi visitor interest after visa-free access. New Hotel Pipeline: Marriott and PASHA Real Estate signed plans for three properties across Azerbaijan and Georgia, including The Ritz-Carlton at Zagulba Beach in Baku and a Le Méridien in Tbilisi. Events for Visitors: Shamakhi’s Grape and Wine Festival returns September 19–20 in Meysari village, with tickets via iTicket.az. Travel Etiquette in Heritage Sites: Authorities reiterate that tourists must not write on rocks or damage historical areas in Shusha and the Jidir Plain. Air Connectivity: Tajik ambassador says direct Baku–Dushanbe flights run four times weekly with high occupancy and expected growth. Sports Tourism: Sabah FC’s Champions League home matches are set for Baku Olympic Stadium, with the club hosting major European sides.

New Hotel Pipeline: Marriott and PASHA Real Estate Group signed a deal for three projects across Azerbaijan and Georgia, including The Ritz-Carlton Baku, Zagulba (80 rooms plus beach club, spa, pool) and Ritz-Carlton Residences expansion, with a Le Méridien hotel planned for Tbilisi. Tourism & Culture: Shanliurfa Culture Days kicked off in Baku at Icherisheher, bringing Turkish heritage, crafts, cuisine, and exhibitions to visitors. Travel Access Update: South Korea’s foreign ministry lifted special travel advisories for parts of Thailand, Turkey, Azerbaijan and Ethiopia, easing risk levels where no further drone or missile strikes were reported. Airline/Visitor Demand: Foreign tourists spent about 1.55 billion manats in Azerbaijan in Jan–July (down 18.3%), with transport, food and accommodation taking the biggest shares. Sports in Baku: Sabah confirmed as a Champions League home host at Baku Olympic Stadium, with matches against top European clubs starting Sept. 10. Diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s ambassador to Germany visited Lower Saxony, meeting officials on inter-parliamentary ties, business, and tourism cooperation.

Hotel & Real Estate: Marriott International and PASHA Real Estate Group signed a deal for three new projects across Azerbaijan and Georgia, including The Ritz-Carlton Baku, Zagulba (80 rooms plus Ritz-Carlton Residences) and a Le Méridien hotel in Tbilisi—another push to expand branded stays in the region. Tourism Events: Shamakhi’s Grape and Wine Festival returns for its fifth edition on September 19–20 in Meysari, with tastings, local wine producers, and tickets via iTicket.az. Travel Safety & Alerts: South Korea’s foreign ministry lifted special travel advisories for parts of Thailand and also eased alerts for select areas in Azerbaijan, citing no further reported drone or missile strikes and improved local security/health conditions. Azerbaijan–Tajikistan Links: The Tajik ambassador said relations are at a high level and highlighted growing tourism ties, including direct Baku–Dushanbe flights four times a week with expected expansion. Visitor Economy: Azerbaijan saw foreign tourist spending of about 1.55 billion manats in Jan–July, down 18.3%, with transport, food and accommodation all falling year-on-year. Health Tourism: Azerbaijan’s health resort potential was promoted in Astana, spotlighting Naftalan and multiple treatment centers and services. Road Safety: A deadly crash in Nakhchivan’s Shahbuz district killed 3 and injured 9, with an investigation underway.

Hotel & Real Estate Boom: Marriott and PASHA Real Estate Group signed a deal for three new projects across Azerbaijan and Georgia, including The Ritz-Carlton at Zagulba Beach in Baku (80 rooms plus 282 residences) and a Le Méridien hotel in Tbilisi—another signal of rising demand for upscale stays. Tourism Numbers: Azerbaijan saw foreign tourist spending fall 18.3% in Jan–Jul to 1.55 billion manats, with 1.34 million visitors down 9.2%, though sports and entertainment spend rose. Events in Azerbaijan: Shamakhi’s Grape and Wine Festival returns Sept. 19–20 in Meysari village, with tickets via iTicket.az and a focus on local viticulture plus visitor entertainment. Travel Rules Update: South Korea lifted some travel advisories for parts of Thailand and also for select areas in Azerbaijan, citing fewer reported drone or missile strikes. Regional Travel Context: Kazakhstan will introduce paid entry and a mandatory ETA (QazETA) for visa-free visitors from Nov. 1, affecting travelers including Azerbaijanis. Safety & Rights Watch: Armenian prisoner-rights lawyer Siranush Sahakyan says lives of Armenians held in Baku are in danger and that ECHR will examine cases like Ruben Vardanyan.

Tourism Numbers: Foreign tourists spent about 1.55 billion manats in Azerbaijan in January–July, down 18.3% year-on-year, while arrivals fell to 1.34 million (down 9.2%), with transport, food and accommodation all declining. Aviation & Connectivity: Bulgaria and Azerbaijan discussed closer tourism cooperation and the push to restore direct Sofia–Baku–Sofia flights, with spa, wellness and gastronomic tourism on the agenda. Visitor Safety & Hospitality: A British travel blogger praised Azerbaijan’s safety after staff in Lankaran protected a bag left with valuables and refused a tip, saying safeguarding guests is their duty. Nature for Travelers: Zagatala’s Ganslar Waterfall is highlighted as a “hidden gem,” but reaching it means a rugged, multi-stage trek from Mukhakh via river crossings and a final 7 km on foot. Travel Disruption Watch: Azerbaijan Railways warned passengers about fake tickets for the Baku–Tbilisi–Baku train route. Cross-border Context: Armenia’s security chief said Azerbaijan is taking steps on the peace process and left the door open to visiting Baku.

Tourism Diplomacy: Bulgaria and Azerbaijan discussed closer tourism cooperation and the push to restore direct Sofia–Baku–Sofia flights, with plans for joint events and city twinning focused on spa, wellness and gastronomic tourism. Azerbaijan Travel Safety & Hospitality: A British blogger praised Azerbaijan’s safety after leaving a bag of money in Lankaran—staff secured it in a monitored cabinet and refused a tip, highlighting local hospitality. Mine Action Cooperation: The EU said it will keep working with Azerbaijan on landmine clearance, stressing humanitarian demining as a prerequisite for recovery and normal life. Peace Process Update: Armenian Security Council Secretary Alen Simonyan said Azerbaijan is taking steps toward deepening peace, including new mechanisms on detainees and missing persons, and did not rule out a visit to Azerbaijan. In-Country Nature Getaway: AZERTAC’s “If I Were a Tourist” spotlights Ganslar Waterfall in Zagatala, with a tough route via rivers and a final 7 km hike. Connectivity & Travel Demand: Pakistan’s ambassador said direct flights between Islamabad/Lahore and Baku are nearly daily and that Pakistani tourist numbers to Azerbaijan topped 90,000 last year. Regional Travel Disruption Watch: U.S.-Iran escalation and renewed strikes raise risks for transport corridors through the Persian Gulf, with potential knock-on effects for Central Asia.

Azerbaijan Railways Warning: ADY says some tourism companies and social media accounts are selling fake Baku–Tbilisi–Baku tickets, urging passengers to buy only via ADY’s official website, ADY Mobile app, or railway ticket offices. Hiking Safety in Sheki: The Netherlands Embassy thanked Azerbaijani authorities after a Dutch citizen was rescued and treated following a dog attack while hiking near Sheki’s Chalangi summer pasture; she was evacuated by helicopter and received surgery. Eurasian Connectivity: A new analysis highlights how Azerbaijan is positioning itself in SCO-linked transport corridors, with the Middle Corridor route increasingly routing via Georgia and the Zangezur corridor emerging as an alternative. Tourism & Travel Policy Watch: Thailand will cut visa-free stays for many nationalities from 60 to 30 days from Sept. 15 (Azerbaijan gets visa-on-arrival), a move likely to reshape regional travel planning. Sports Tourism Spotlight: Sabah FC’s Champions League run is set to bring major European clubs to Baku, with coach Valdas Dambrauskas describing the journey from a TV “Millionaire” win to elite football.

Travel Safety & Disruption: Ukraine’s President Zelensky warned airlines and insurers that “Russian skies” are becoming unsafe as drone activity increases, effectively signaling a tighter risk picture for flights over Russia. Regional Air Travel: Flights through Dubai and Abu Dhabi were disrupted after US-Iran strikes, with delays and cancellations rippling across routes to Europe, North America, Asia and beyond. Rail Fraud Alert: Azerbaijan Railways (ADY) warned passengers about fake tickets for the Baku–Tbilisi–Baku route, urging buyers to use only ADY’s official website, ADY Mobile app, or ticket offices. Hiking & Rescue: The Netherlands Embassy thanked Azerbaijani authorities for rescuing a Dutch citizen injured in the Sheki mountains on Aug. 29, including helicopter evacuation and emergency care. Connectivity & Tourism: A new report highlights how Azerbaijan is routing Middle Corridor traffic largely via Georgia, while the Zangezur corridor is developing as an alternative. Azerbaijan–Vietnam Ties: Ilham Aliyev sent Independence Day congratulations to Vietnam’s leadership, pointing to cooperation opportunities including transport and tourism. Nature Spotlight: Yanardag (“burning mountain”) on the Absheron Peninsula continues to draw travelers with its natural, long-burning flames. Sports Travel: Sabah FC’s Champions League run is set to bring major European clubs to Baku, with the team traveling to face top sides in Europe.

Travel Market Watch: WINGIE says autumn travel in 2026 is trending toward culture-led city breaks (including Baku), short “micro-cations,” and nature-focused escapes. Border & Trade Boost: The Asian Development Bank approved a USD 400 million BUILD facility to modernize CAREC border rail/road crossings, with digital systems and streamlined procedures aimed at cutting delays and costs—explicitly noting opportunities for tourism services. Azerbaijan–Kyrgyzstan Connectivity: At the SCO summit in Bishkek, Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan highlighted deeper transport and logistics cooperation tied to TRIPP and the “Middle Corridor,” with leaders also stressing ongoing border delimitation work. World Nomad Games Buzz: Azerbaijan’s participation in the 6th World Nomad Games in Bishkek/Issyk-Kul is drawing attention online as a major culture-and-sport draw. Regional Travel Context: Thailand’s visa-free stay rules are set to tighten from Sept. 15, 2026 (30 days for 60 countries), a reminder that travel planning across the region is getting more rule-driven.

World Nomad Games in Bishkek: Azerbaijan’s traditional heritage is being showcased at the 6th World Nomad Games, with Azerbaijani athletes joining a week of sport and culture across Bishkek and the Issyk-Kul region (Aug 31–Sep 6), drawing strong Central Asian and wider online buzz. SCO momentum for travel & trade: Azerbaijan’s role as an SCO partner is framed as increasingly practical—linked to transport corridors and Eurasian connectivity—while leaders gather in Bishkek for the SCO summit and “SCO plus” format. New direct flights to Baku: Azerbaijan Airlines will launch nonstop Brussels–Baku flights from May 8, 2027, four times a week, giving Belgian travelers a simpler route and expanding Azerbaijan’s European tourism links. Regional diplomacy with a tourism angle: Azerbaijan–Kyrgyzstan ties are highlighted through high-level visits and concrete projects tied to the Middle Corridor, with Issyk-Kul and Caspian-area city parallels used to underline shared travel appeal. Visa watch for travelers: Thailand confirms a cut to visa-free stays from 60 to 30 days for many countries starting Sep 15, 2026—important for planning trips.

Azerbaijan–Kyrgyzstan Ties: President Ilham Aliyev is set for a working visit to Kyrgyzstan on Aug 31 for the SCO events in Bishkek, highlighting how relations have moved from meetings to real projects like schools, resorts on Issyk-Kul, and broader connectivity. SCO Trade & Corridors: Azerbaijan is pushing its SCO partnership into a wider Eurasian economic strategy, with emphasis on transport links and practical cooperation beyond symbolism. New Direct Flights to Baku: Azerbaijan Airlines will launch nonstop Brussels–Baku flights from May 8, 2027, four times a week, giving Belgian travelers a simpler route to Azerbaijan. Tourism Spotlight (Yanardag): Yanardag Reserve drew 104,929 visitors in Jan–July 2026, including 92,784 foreign guests, with the natural “eternal flames” on Absheron remaining a top draw. Thailand Visa Update: Thailand will cut visa-free stays from 60 to 30 days for citizens of 60 countries starting Sept 15, 2026—good news for short breaks, but tighter for longer trips. Maritime Safety Watch: A tanker was struck by three unknown projectiles off Oman while transiting the Strait of Hormuz; crew were safe and no environmental damage was reported.