AGP Executive Report

Tourism Policy Push: President Ilham Aliyev has approved Azerbaijan’s State Program for Tourism Development 2026–2030, aiming to grow inbound tourism and modernize the sector. Visa Overhaul: The plan targets visa-free access for citizens of 34 countries (starting with 28) and calls for easier multiple-entry tourism e-visas, plus upgrades to ASAN Visa. Digital Nomad Visa: A new “digital nomad” visa subtype is set to be launched in electronic form (work starts 2027–2028). Air Connectivity & Subsidies: Authorities plan to expand flight networks and frequencies, while introducing subsidies/compensation for charter flights, extra scheduled routes, tourism events, new hotel rooms, tour operators bringing foreign visitors, and support for micro and small tourism businesses. New Branding & Products: Azerbaijan will launch tourism innovation competitions, create a Tourism Ambassador Program, and prepare a health tourism strategy. Targets & Impact: By 2030, Azerbaijan aims for 3.8 million foreign visitors annually, with tourism’s non-oil GDP share rising to 8.6% and foreign tourist spending nearly doubling. Regional Growth: Three new tourism and recreation zones are planned for 2027–2030, and the “Azerbaijan.travel” platform will be rebuilt with multilingual services, interactive maps, and booking features.

Tourism Policy Push: President Ilham Aliyev has approved Azerbaijan’s State Program for Tourism Development 2026–2030, aiming to boost regional tourism, improve sector regulation, and strengthen branding and marketing. Digital Tourism Upgrade: The “Azerbaijan.travel” platform will be revamped in 2026–2030 with a new concept, multilingual services, interactive maps, and reservation features. New Destinations: Azerbaijan plans to create three new tourism and recreation zones from 2027 to 2030, with infrastructure, roads, and public-private investment expected to follow. Innovation for the Industry: Azerbaijan will launch tourism innovation competitions, with pilot projects supported after an initial phase that sets needs and selection rules. Onboard Convenience: Azerbaijan Airlines and ABB Bank introduced onboard POS card payments, letting passengers pay for upgrades and extra services during flights. Regional Tourism Spotlight: Azerbaijani media toured Uzbekistan’s Registan Square and the Imam al-Bukhari Memorial Complex in Samarkand, highlighting heritage tourism and visitor facilities. Artsakh Tourism Warning: A travel-industry message says tourism must not normalize the Artsakh genocide while displaced Armenians remain unable to return.

Baku Expo City Plan: ZHA unveiled a masterplan for Baku’s “Expo City” beside the Baku Expo Center, starting with 18,000 existing trees across a 198-hectare site and aiming to keep 92% of the canopy. The pine forest will shape a new walkable district with homes, schools, shops, cycle paths, and a central public square near an expanded expo area and a planned Congress Hall, plus a hotel for delegates and airport travelers. Baku Culture & Events: The 5th SALAM International Youth Film Festival runs Aug. 24–27 at the Nizami Cinema Center in Baku, with PASHA Holding as general sponsor and Nine Senses Art Center as special partner. Travel Disruption at the Border: Freight congestion hit the Red Bridge customs checkpoint on the Azerbaijan–Georgia border, with truck queues stretching for kilometers on the Georgian side and causing multi-day delays for drivers. Azerbaijan F1 Travel: Azerbaijan F1 Grand Prix 2026 ticket info is out for Sept. 24–26 in Baku, with race day on Saturday—useful for planning flights and hotels. Tourism Payments Upgrade: Bir and UnionPay International expanded UnionPay card acceptance across Azerbaijan, starting with online checkout at 1,000+ merchants and cash withdrawals at about 1,300 Birbank ATMs, with further POS rollout planned.

Azerbaijan Travel & Culture: Twin sisters Aiman and Minal Khan are sharing summer travel moments, with Minal posting “Euro summer” highlights across Germany, the Netherlands and Paris—plus family stops like Disneyland and major landmarks. Azerbaijan Tourism & Events: Baku is set to host the 5th SALAM International Youth Film Festival from August 24–27 at the Nizami Cinema Center, with an opening screening of Indonesia’s “Tegar” and festival activities running through the weekend. Travel Planning (Baku): Azerbaijan F1 Grand Prix 2026 ticket sales are open for the September 24–26 race at Baku City Circuit, with race day on Saturday—so travelers should double-check flight and hotel dates. Cross-Border Logistics: Freight congestion has hit the Azerbaijan-Georgia Red Bridge checkpoint, with truck queues stretching for kilometers on the Georgian side and causing multi-day delays for drivers. Payments for Visitors: Bir and UnionPay expanded card acceptance across Azerbaijan, rolling out online checkout at 1,000+ merchants and cash withdrawals at about 1,300 Birbank ATMs.

Artsakh Heritage & Tourism Ethics: A new report spotlights how Nagorno-Karabakh’s Christian sites are being marketed to visitors after the 2023 exodus, raising concerns about displacement, erasure, and what tourists are (and aren’t) told. Azerbaijan Tech Push: With oil revenues slipping, Baku is trying to pivot toward startups and new investment tools, but funding remains small and results modest. Non-oil Growth Forecast: Azerbaijan’s 2026 non-oil GDP growth outlook was revised down, while inflation expectations were raised—an update that matters for travel demand and spending. Border Logistics for Travelers & Trade: Congestion at the Red Bridge checkpoint on the Azerbaijan-Georgia border is causing multi-day truck delays, likely affecting supply chains behind tourism services. Azerbaijan Airlines Connectivity: AZAL launched regular flights to Atyrau (Kazakhstan) four times a week, adding another route for regional visitors. F1 Travel Planning: Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2026 tickets are on sale now for Sept 24–26 in Baku, with race day on Saturday—so hotels and flights need earlier booking. Tourism Promotion in Karabakh: Booking.com and GetYourGuide are promoting Shushi/Shusha packages, including the Govhar Agha Mosque, tied to ongoing political detention issues. Gobustan Visitor Numbers: Gobustan Reserve drew nearly 40,000 tourists over three months, reinforcing Azerbaijan’s outdoor heritage appeal.

Azerbaijan’s Tech Push: With oil revenues sliding, Baku is trying to build a tech future—technology reached 2.1% of GDP in 2025, and only 22 startups raised $2.62m, but new investment rules and a planned government-backed fund aim to attract talent and foreign capital. Border Travel Disruption: Freight congestion hit the Azerbaijan-Georgia route at the Red Bridge customs checkpoint, with long truck queues on the Georgian side causing multi-day waits and higher costs for drivers. Tourism & Culture Spotlight: Gobustan Reserve welcomed nearly 40,000 visitors in three months, with strong interest from Asian markets including China, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Pakistan and India. New Air Connectivity: Azerbaijan Airlines launched regular flights to Atyrau (4 times weekly), adding another option for travelers between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. Film Tourism Boost: Jackie Chan’s “Armor of God 4” Azerbaijan shoot is completed, with officials saying it could spark global interest in Azerbaijan as a destination. Visa-Free Travel Update: The Azerbaijani passport ranks 110th globally with visa-free access to 35 countries, including Türkiye, Georgia, UAE and several regional hubs. Travel Market Watch: Booking.com and GetYourGuide promoted tours to Shushi/Shusha and Khankendi/Stepanakert, featuring the restored Govhar Agha Mosque—an issue tied to Ruben Vardanyan’s detention. Road Safety: A serious crash on the Baku-Gazakh highway in Shamkir killed five people, including two children.

Azerbaijan Tourism Push in Russia: The Azerbaijan Tourism Board’s Moscow office held a business breakfast with FUN&SUN and about 50 travel agencies, pitching Azerbaijan’s tourism offers and reporting strong demand—over 600,000 Russians visited in 2025 and more than 73,000 in July 2026. Gobustan Draws Big Crowds: Nearly 40,000 tourists visited the Gobustan National Historical-Artistic Reserve in three months, with visitors especially from China, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, India and Türkiye, drawn by rock carvings, caves and UNESCO status. New AZAL Route: Azerbaijan Airlines launched regular flights to Atyrau (4 times weekly: Mon, Tue, Fri, Sun), adding more Kazakhstan connectivity. Culture & Heritage Spotlight: New archaeological finds in Shusha and Khankendi include early-19th-century tombs and a medieval settlement plan to be explored further—aimed at future visitor access. Film Tourism Boost: Filming for Jackie Chan’s “Armor of God 4: Ultimatum” in Azerbaijan is completed, with the project billed as the country’s largest foreign film production—expected to spark global interest in Azerbaijan. Baku Metro Update: Baku Metro’s 28 May project will separate Red and Green lines, with service changes starting today and volunteers added to guide passengers during construction. Road Safety Alert: A fatal crash in Shamkir on the Baku-Gazakh highway killed five people (including two children) and injured several others.

Azerbaijan Tourism Boost: Nearly 40,000 visitors toured the Gobustan National Historical-Artistic Reserve in just three months, with strong interest from China, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, India and Türkiye—rock carvings and UNESCO status keep pulling travelers back. New Air Link: Azerbaijan Airlines launched regular flights to Atyrau, operating four times a week (Mon/Tue/Fri/Sun), adding another route between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. Heritage Finds in Shusha & Khankendi: Archaeologists report newly discovered early-19th-century tombs in Shusha, plus a medieval settlement and other finds around the region—planned for restoration and future tourist access. Culture on Screen: Filming for Jackie Chan’s “Armor of God 4: Ultimatum” in Azerbaijan is completed, with officials saying the project could spark major global travel interest. Baku Metro Changes: Major construction to separate the Red and Green lines begins, with services between 28 May and Nizami temporarily suspended for about 10–11 months. Tourism Promotion in Russia: Azerbaijan’s Tourism Board held a Moscow business breakfast with Russian partners, highlighting offers and reporting that Russian arrivals topped 73,000 in July 2026. Tech-Hub Push: Azerbaijan’s startups raised $2.6m in 2025 as the government builds a legal and funding framework to grow the sector.

Tourism in Russia: Azerbaijan Tourism Board’s Moscow office held a business breakfast with FUN&SUN and about 50 travel agencies, pitching Azerbaijan’s tourism offers and partners like Absheron Hotel Group and Sea Breeze; Russia remains a key source market, with 600,000+ visitors in 2025 and 73,000+ in July 2026. Metro upgrade in Baku: Baku Metro begins major works to separate the Red and Green lines, with train services between 28 May and Nizami temporarily suspended for about 10–11 months; volunteers and extra staff will guide passengers as intervals are set to tighten. Heritage draw: Gobustan State Historical and Cultural Reserve welcomed nearly 40,000 visitors in the past three months, led by tourists from China, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, India and Türkiye. Diplomacy & tourism ties: Azerbaijan’s tourism potential was also highlighted in Moscow presentations, while Azerbaijan–Pakistan–Kazakhstan move to strengthen tourism cooperation. Safety & travel alerts: Azerbaijan Railways reported smoke from sulfur powder on a freight train from Georgia to Baku near Shamkir station; the smoke was eliminated and an investigation is underway. Cultural showcase: India’s Embassy in Baku hosted Bihar Diwas, spotlighting Bihar’s heritage, crafts, cuisine and tourism potential.

Azerbaijan Tourism Push in Russia: The Azerbaijan Tourism Board’s Moscow office held a business breakfast with Russian tour operator FUN&SUN and about 50 partner agencies, with support from Absheron Hotel Group and Sea Breeze, to promote Azerbaijan’s travel offers; Russia remains a key source market, with 600,000+ visitors in 2025 and 73,000+ in July 2026. Baku Metro Disruption: Major works to separate the Red and Green lines begin, with train services between 28 May and Nizami temporarily suspended for about 10–11 months; volunteers and extra staff will guide passengers as operations shift. Heritage Spotlight: Gobustan State Historical and Cultural Reserve welcomed nearly 40,000 visitors in the past three months, led by tourists from China, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, India and Türkiye. Cultural Diplomacy: The Indian Embassy in Baku marked Bihar Diwas with a showcase of heritage, tourism potential, crafts and cuisine, including a fashion show featuring Azerbaijani and Indian diaspora participants. Safety Reminder: Azerbaijan’s Prosecutor General’s Office says 436 people have been killed or injured in mine explosions since Nov. 10, 2020, urging travelers to use only designated safe routes. Nakhchivan Development Outlook: President Ilham Aliyev outlined long-term plans for Nakhchivan, including a new industrial park, a city master plan to 2044, and tourism plus transport connectivity under the TRIPP vision.

Baku Metro Upgrade: Major construction to separate the Red and Green lines begins, with train services between 28 May and Nizami temporarily suspended for about 10–11 months; the Red Line will run between Icherisheher and Hazi Aslanov, while the Green Line will operate between Darnagul and Nizami, and volunteers plus extra staff will guide passengers during the changes. Tourism Demand: Azerbaijan’s autumn 2026 hotel bookings from Russian travelers rose 18% year-on-year, placing the country among Russia’s top five fastest-growing destinations, driven by more affordable stays and easier visa requirements. Heritage Spotlight: The Gobustan State Historical and Cultural Reserve welcomed nearly 40,000 visitors in the past three months, with many arrivals from China, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, India and Türkiye. Cultural Diplomacy: India’s Embassy in Azerbaijan marked Bihar Diwas in Baku, showcasing Bihar’s heritage, tourism potential, crafts and cuisine, with a fashion show and remarks from Ambassador Abhay Kumar. Rail Safety Incident: Azerbaijan Railways reported smoke from sulfur powder on a Georgia-to-Baku freight train near Shamkir; the issue was quickly contained and an investigation is underway.

Baku Metro Disruption: Major construction to separate the Red and Green lines starts today, with services between 28 May and Nizami temporarily suspended for about 10–11 months; Red Line will run between Icherisheher and Hazi Aslanov, while Green Line operations shift to run between Darnagul and Nizami, and volunteers/staff will be added to guide passengers. Tourism Spotlight: Gobustan State Historical and Cultural Reserve drew nearly 40,000 visitors in the past three months, with many coming from China, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, India and Türkiye, drawn by rock carvings, caves and UNESCO-backed heritage. Air Travel Watch: An EasyJet crew strike in France could disrupt around 80 flights on Aug 15–16, with the airline offering transfers or refunds for canceled services. Cultural Diplomacy: China-Azerbaijan media ties get a boost in Baku with the Azerbaijani-language documentary “Heritage Keeper” presented by China Radio and Television Center and Azerbaijani partners. Regional Connectivity: Azerbaijan’s Alat Port and Turkmenistan’s Turkmenbashi cooperation is framed as a step toward making Caspian logistics work as one integrated system for the Middle Corridor. Safety Update: A freight train fire/smoke incident near Shamkir was linked to smoldering sulfur powder; responders contained it and an investigation is underway.

Caspian Connectivity: Azerbaijan’s Alat Port and Turkmenistan’s Turkmenbashi International Seaport are stepping up coordination, aiming to make the Middle Corridor work as one integrated logistics system—so cargo moves faster and with fewer delays across the Caspian. Cultural Tourism Boost: In Baku, the Indian Embassy marked Bihar Diwas with a big cultural showcase, highlighting heritage, cuisine, handicrafts and tourism potential, with diplomats and Azerbaijani visitors in attendance. Rail Disruption Update: Azerbaijan Railways reported smoke from sulfur powder on a freight train from Georgia to Baku near Shamkir; firefighters responded quickly, the fire was contained, and an investigation is underway. Innovation in Baku: PASHA Holding’s INMerge Innovation Summit returns to Baku on Nov 30–Dec 1, 2026, with startup applications open (deadline Sept 15) and prizes plus accommodation for selected teams. Safety Reminder for Travelers: Azerbaijan’s Prosecutor General’s Office says mine explosions in de-occupied areas have killed or injured 436 people since the 2020 war, urging visitors to use only designated safe routes.

China-Azerbaijan Cultural Ties: Baku hosted a presentation of the Azerbaijani-language documentary “Heritage Keeper,” produced by China Radio and Television Center, with speakers highlighting growing people-to-people links in culture, education, media and tourism. Indian Embassy Culture & Tourism Push: The Indian Embassy in Azerbaijan held a grand “Bihar Diwas” event in Baku, spotlighting Bihar’s heritage, handicrafts, cuisine and tourism potential, with Ambassador Abhay Kumar urging visitors to explore the state’s history and spirituality. Innovation for Travelers & Investors: PASHA Holding’s INMerge Innovation Summit returns to Baku on Nov 30–Dec 1, 2026, with registration for startups now open and selected teams set to receive accommodation and pitch opportunities. Regional Tourism Cooperation: Pakistan’s tourism official said Pakistan, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan have strong potential to expand tourism links, trade and cultural exchanges, building on “brotherly” ties. Safety Reminder for Visitors: Azerbaijan’s Prosecutor General’s Office reported 436 deaths and injuries from mine explosions since the 2020 war, urging travelers to use only designated safe routes and follow warning signs. On-the-Ground Transport Disruption: A freight train fire broke out in Shamkir due to smoldering sulfur powder; the blaze was extinguished and an investigation is underway. Local Heritage Stops: AZERTAC’s “If I Were a Tourist” highlighted Guba’s Juma Mosque and Ordubad’s Goygol lake as standout cultural and nature destinations.

Baku City Guide: A fresh travel feature says Baku’s magic is its mix of old and new—Taza Pir and Heydar Mosque alongside the Heydar Aliyev Center and the Carpet Museum—plus easy-to-book hotels and a lively promenade scene with the Flame Towers lighting up the night. Weekend Escape Ideas: Another roundup-style story pitches Azerbaijan as a “city, beach and mountains” combo in one week, with quick airport-to-hike moments and a festival-and-resort itinerary. Tourism Demand Watch: New research notes Russian bookings for Azerbaijan are up 49% for autumn 2026, with hotel demand rising 18% overall—positioning Azerbaijan as a top pick for Russians this season. Local Heritage Spots: AZERTAC’s “If I Were a Tourist” highlights Guba’s Juma Mosque (completed in 1802) and Ordubad’s Goygol lake, famed locally as the “Lake of Four Seasons.” Regional Travel Context: Iraq’s aviation ministry says Iraqi Airways has resumed flights to 10 international destinations, including Basra–Baku, boosting connectivity for travelers in the region. Environment & Travel: Caspian Sea water levels have fallen to a roughly 200-year low, raising concerns for coastal communities and ecosystems—an issue that can shape future seaside tourism planning.

Aviation & Connectivity: Incheon International Airport in South Korea became the world’s busiest for international passenger traffic in the first half of 2026, with 38.4 million travelers, as some passengers rerouted away from Middle East hubs; Incheon also saw an 18% jump in transfer passengers, including a 63.2% rise in Europe-bound connections. Air Routes: Iraq’s Ministry of Transport says Iraqi Airways has resumed/activated flights to 10 international destinations, including Basra–Baku and Baghdad–Moscow, aiming to boost regional and global connectivity. Caspian Sea Watch: Iran’s environment official warns the Caspian Sea has fallen to its lowest level in about 200 years, driven by higher temperatures, evaporation, reduced inflows and rainfall changes—raising concerns for coastal communities and ecosystems. Tourism Demand: A study by OneTwoTrip reports Russian hotel bookings in Azerbaijan for autumn 2026 up 18% year-on-year, with Azerbaijan among the fastest-growing regional destinations for Russians. Culture & Travel Ideas (Azerbaijan): AZERTAC’s “If I Were a Tourist” spotlights the Juma Mosque in Guba and Goygol in Ordubad as heritage and nature must-sees. Food Heritage: A feature traces how Azerbaijani nuts are used across festive cooking, from shekerbura to pakhlava traditions. Sports Tourism Link: Conference League action brings Ukraine’s Dynamo to Baku for a Qarabağ match at Tofiq Bahramov Stadium. Regional Travel Angle: Russian tourists’ bookings in Armenia rose 42% in August, while Azerbaijan saw the highest growth among the region at 49%. Azerbaijan–India Travel: Air India and Azerbaijan Airlines launched a codeshare partnership linking Delhi and Mumbai to Baku, strengthening business and tourism ties.