Tag Archives: Azerbaijan

Deputy Minister of Strategic Planning & Monitoring at the Ministry of Tourism, Ageel Alshaibani, participated in the Ministerial Meeting on Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism organized by the COP29 Presidency and hosted a side event titled “Tourism, Climate Action and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)” at Saudi Arabia’s National Pavilion at the climate change conference.  Alshaibani highlighted the importance of aligning tourism with climate and sustainability objectives, and detailed how the Saudi initiative on the Sustainable Tourism Global Center (STGC) will drive this critical transformation. “Tourism has a unique opportunity to lead in advancing sustainable development,” said Alshaibani. “Through STGC, we are committed to creating a tourism sector that contributes positively to the environment, strengthens local communities, and provides a model for responsible growth. Our initiatives are designed to empower governments, businesses, and communities alike to take bold steps toward a sustainable future for tourism.” The Ministerial Meeting on Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism was hosted by COP29 Presidency, UN Tourism, the State Tourism Agency of Azerbaijan and UNEP, and gathered Ministers and high-level officials of more than 30 countries from across the globe to discuss the alignment of tourism policies and practices with climate action. Both the Ministerial Meeting and the side event hosted by Saudi Arabia showcased STGC’s mission as a multi-country, multi-stakeholder initiative organization dedicated to advancing the tourism industry’s shift toward sustainable practices. Launched by Saudi Arabia, and to be headquartered in Riyadh, STGC will bring together governments, industry leaders, academia, and civil society to join forces to address the industry’s environmental footprint, protect biodiversity, and uplift tourism-dependent communities. Alshaibani’s remarks emphasized the need for comprehensive actions that can drive measurable improvements across the tourism sector. As part of …

H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and his Azerbaijani counterpart H.E. Mikayil Jabbarov during the sessions on intergovernmental joint partnerships between the UAE and Azerbaijan expressed their interest in organizing joint tourism exhibitions, events, and conferences to highlight the key tourism and historical attractions of both countries and to leverage their diverse tourism offerings The collaboration is expected to boost tourism inflows from across the globe, particularly given that there are over 185 flights connecting the two destinations every month, operated by the UAE’s national carriers. Both parties discussed ways to strengthen collaboration in the areas of digitalization, innovation, and technology. The need to exchange insights on the development of an innovative ecosystem and promote cooperative efforts between the government entities focused on AI and innovative solutions in both countries was highlighted. The ninth session of the UAE-Azerbaijan Joint Intergovernmental Commission (JIC) for Economic, Trade and Technical Cooperation between the two countries was held in the Azerbaijani city of Shusha, chaired by H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy; and his Azerbaijani counterpart H.E. Mikayil Jabbarov. The session was attended by several senior officials and government and private sector representatives from both sides. During the meeting, the UAE and Azerbaijan agreed to develop their existing economic partnership in the sectors of entrepreneurship, SMEs, new economy, tourism, aviation, industry, innovation, technology, agriculture, food security, logistics, culture, energy, renewable energy and investment. H.E. Bin Touq stated that the UAE and Azerbaijan share strong strategic relations and economic partnerships that have evolved over more than three decades. These relations are characterized by the frequent exchange of high-level visits between the two countries. The most recent of them was …

After a break caused by the pandemic, the 19th Azerbaijan International Travel and Tourism Fair AITF 2023 will reopen its doors at Baku Expo Center from 4 to 6 April. The organiser of the event is the Caspian Event Organisers company. Traditionally one of the leading events in the tourism sector of the entire region, the AITF exhibition brings together the leading players in the industry, provides them with the opportunity to establish new contacts, significantly expand the geography of sales and learn about the latest innovations and trends in the tourism industry. The AITF 2023 exhibition will bring together companies from Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Georgia, Cuba, Lithuania, Malaysia, Poland, Russia, Slovenia, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, and other countries. The visiting card of the AITF exhibition are national stands, this year such countries as Belarus, Croatia, Poland, and others will exhibit them. Bulgaria, which is a permanent participant of the exhibition, will be the general sponsor of AITF 2023 this year. The exhibition will cover the following areas: Outbound tourism Domestic tourism Inbound tourism AITF 2023 will feature relevant sectors such as: medical tourism, educational tourism, overseas real estate, sports tourism, information technology in tourism, hunting and fishing, cruise ships, airlines, national and regional tourism authorities, ministries, embassies, travel agencies and tour operators. A rich business program awaits participants and visitors. Traditionally, within the framework of the exhibition, bilateral business meetings (B2B) will be held, at which representatives of domestic and foreign companies will discuss ways of cooperation and other forms of partnership in person. AITF 2023 is a long-awaited event for professionals in the tourism industry, as international and local companies will have the opportunity to …

Pioneer in hosting large-scale international events in the region, city of Baku will once again take a central stage by hosting the 74th International Astronautical Congress on October 2nd-6th 2023. Being the main event venue, Baku Convention Center will be the hub for global space communities to exchange the most recent space developments and discuss the global challenges and opportunities for the space industry. The ultra-modern halls of the Baku Convention Center will bring together more than 5000 international and local official delegates and high representatives, space academia scholars, students and association members in a comfortable ambiance and professional setup. With its dazzling architecture and cutting-edge solutions to any arising issue, BCC will pave the way for the Congress/IAC to celebrate its event success again following its first visit to Baku right 50 years ago organizing 24th edition of the IAC. Known for its potential in managing loaded traffic flow and phenomenal flexibility, Baku Convention Center is excited to host the world’s premier global space event, bring together like-minded space actors and celebrate space triumphs altogether!  

Being one of the 12 destinations which offer visa on arrival for expats from UAE, Azerbaijan tourism has taken one step further to include in their specialized itinerary an authentic and historical location known as Sheki located at about four and a half hour drive from Baku, this city charms its visitors with its Silk Road ambiance with caravanserais and hammams, delicious cuisine, natural surroundings and warm hospitality. Palace of Sheki Khans together with its historic centre is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Built in the shade of hundreds-year old plane trees, this 18th-century palace was the summer residence of Sheki khans – the-then rulers. One of the most distinctive features of this architectural pearl is its interior decorated with floral frescoes and shebeke windows made by filling wooden lattices with tiny glass pieces without using any nails and allow a ray of lights to come through in a magical manner. Another must-visit spot is the Karvansaray hotel established within a 18th-century caravanserai where you can feel the ancient Silk Road vibe while having the best of local sweets and enjoying the much famous tea culture in Azerbaijan. Speaking of sweets, you will notice that there are many sweet shops in the streets of Sheki. Quite famous for having a sweet tooth, locals here are masters in preparing some of the best sweets such as bamiya and halva. Bamiya are fingers of dough draped in syrup while Sheki’s signature halva is a type of pakhlava made of very thin dough layers packed with ground nuts, syrup, saffron and spices. Especially the latter reminds of a true work of art, and you can take it home as a great souvenir …

flyadeal has listed five international destinations for its flight network in the summer of 2022. The company is expanding the number of flights to meet consumer demand for destinations, including Amman in Jordan, Tbilisi and Batumi in Georgia, Baku in Azerbaijan, and Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt. Flyadeal has also added the King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. The company will also launch a new flight to Cairo from Riyadh and Jeddah. Con Korfiatis, Chief Executive Officer at flyadeal, explained that the new seasonal flights are in line with flyadeal’s ambitious plan to grow and expand domestically and internationally and to provide the opportunity for more of its customers to enjoy a unique travel experience, as well as being able to serve more customers. flyadeal’s seasonal flights will operate to the five destinations from mid-June until late July, with seven weekly flights from Riyadh and Jeddah to Amman. The company will also operate four flights to Tbilisi from Riyadh, three from Jeddah and two flights from Dammam, and Batumi, Georgia’s second destination, with an average of three flights from Riyadh and Jeddah. Initially, there will be an average of four flights to Baku from Riyadh and three flights from Jeddah and Dammam. There will be an average of three flights to Sharm El-Sheikh from Riyadh and Jeddah and two flights from Dammam. flyadeal will also add Dammam as a new starting destination to operate flights to Cairo. It will operate seven weekly flights, in line with the demand for Cairo flights witnessed through both Riyadh and Jeddah. During the summer season, flyadeal flies to 21 destinations, including 14 domestically and seven internationally, supported by a modern fleet of 21 aircraft. …

The Higher Organising Committee of IWAS World Games Sharjah 2019 confirmed that 1,462 participants from 50 countries are set to compete in the world’s largest wheelchair and amputee sports championship in Sharjah from February 10-16. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member Ruler of Sharjah, the IWAS World Games has returned to the emirate for the second time after its successful debut in the city in 2011. The eighth edition of the world championship brings together seven games including archery, athletics, badminton, swimming, shooting, table tennis and wheelchair fencing. New details of the upcoming biennial sports championship were revealed at a press conference held recently at Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa. Global athletes landing in Sharjah over the next few days are set to represent 50 competing nations confirmed by the Higher Organising Committee which include the UAE, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Algeria, Yemen, Syria, Iraq, Egypt, India, Sweden, Ukraine, Thailand, Turkey, Brazil, Portugal, Switzerland, Japan, Australia, Kenya, Russia, China, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Italy, South Africa, South Korea, Poland, Pakistan, Norway, Kenya, Latvia, Macau, Azerbaijan, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Germany, Serbia, France, Georgia, the UK, the US, Hong Kong, Greece, Czech Republic, Austria, Belarus and Comoros.

Etihad Airways has launched its first flight to Baku, capital of Azerbaijan from Abu Dhabi. The inaugural flight, EY297, departed Abu Dhabi with a special delegation including diplomats, dignitaries, media representatives and senior members of Etihad Airways’ management team. On arrival in Baku, the aircraft was greeted with a traditional water cannon salute, followed by the customary display of the Emirati and Azerbaijani national flags from the cockpit windows. Flying three times a week using a 136-seat Airbus A320, configured with 16 seats in Business Class and 120 in Economy Class, the new flights will operate every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, providing optimal daylight timings for guests departing and arriving in Abu Dhabi and Baku. The schedule provides convenient connections to and from the airline’s global network and has been timed evenly throughout the week to provide a mix of weekend, short stay and business travel options. Etihad Airways and Azerbaijan Airlines recently announced a codeshare partnership which now sees Azerbaijan Airlines place its ‘J2’ code on Etihad Airways services between Baku and Abu Dhabi. Under this partnership, Azerbaijan Airlines guests will be able to book codeshare flights to and from Abu Dhabi and connect onto Etihad Airways’ extensive global network.

Qabala will be the second destination in Azerbaijan to be served by Air Arabia from June 27, 2018. Air Arabia currently serves Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan with daily flights. The flight will operate three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, departing Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) at 13:00 hours and arriving at Qabala International Airport (GBB) at 16:10 hours local time. The return flight will depart Qabala at 17:15 hours, landing in Sharjah at 19:50 hours local time. Featuring a moderate climate and a mountainous landscape, Qabala is a destination of choice for travellers looking to spend their summer closer to nature. The city caters to all, offering everything from entertainment at amusement parks to guided walks, through the heart of its untouched forest lands.  Air Arabia currently operates flights to 133 routes across the globe from five hubs located in the Middle East and North Africa.

Etihad Airways will launch flights to Azerbaijan’s capital Baku from March 2, 2018. The new route is being introduced to capitalise on the growing demand for flights between the United Arab Emirates and Azerbaijan. The service will be operated thrice a week using a 136-seat Airbus A320, configured with 16 seats in Business Class and 120 in Economy. Azerbaijan introduced a visa waiver programme for UAE nationals in November 2015 and expanded it to other GCC nations in early 2016. This prompted a surge in travel from across the GCC to the emerging tourist destination located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, offering visitors access to vast areas of unspoiled nature and centuries-old culture. Baku, which sits on the Caspian Sea, is the country’s primary gateway and commercial centre. Peter Baumgartner, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways, said, “The creation of the first ever air corridor linking the two capital cities demonstrates the importance of strengthening business, tourism and cultural ties between the UAE and Azerbaijan.