The 5th meeting of the Azerbaijan-Turkiye Joint Working Group on Tourism was held in Antalya on April 2, focusing on expanding bilateral ties and strategic cooperation.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the meeting served as a platform for an extensive exchange of views on international cooperation, tourism education, coastal management, and the development of winter, health, and gastronomy tourism. The delegations also discussed improving the legislative framework to support sustainable tourism initiatives in both nations.
During the session, officials touched upon the formation of cooperation mechanisms between the public and private sectors, the management of regional tourism and cultural heritage, and the expansion of information exchange regarding marketing and promotion. A key outcome of the discussions was the preparation of a joint Action Program for 2026. The meeting was co-chaired by Jalil Malikov, Deputy Head of Administration and Director of the International Relations Department of the State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, alongside representatives from specialized tourism industry bodies.
The parties evaluated the implementation of the 2025 Joint Action Plan and established priority directions for the upcoming 2026 cycle. Discussions also covered collaboration within international frameworks, including UN Tourism, the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), D-8, and the Organization of Turkic States. Specific attention was given to the nomination of Lahij for the UN Tourism "Best Tourism Village" initiative and the designation of Shusha as the ECO Tourism Capital for 2026. Furthermore, an invitation was extended on behalf of State Tourism Agency Chairman Fuad Naghiyev to Turkiye's Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, to attend the 7th Meeting of Tourism Ministers to be held in Shusha.
The meeting also highlighted the success of the COP29 summit hosted by Azerbaijan in November 2024. It was noted that for the first time in COP history, tourism was included in the thematic agenda, and Azerbaijan agreed to share its experience in this field with Turkiye ahead of COP31. The role of the Azerbaijan Tourism Board's representative office in Istanbul was also emphasized as a vital link for B2B relations. The session concluded with the signing of a formal Protocol on cooperation in the field of tourism between the State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkiye.
