OMM Newsroom
Azerbaijan is expanding tourism ties with the Asia-Pacific region. The PATA Hosted Buyers Summit 2026 is taking place in Baku to establish new partnerships and showcase the country’s tourism opportunities. More than 50 international tourism professionals are attending the event.
The summit is being held jointly by the Azerbaijan Tourism Bureau and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), AnewZ reports. Tourism buyers from China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and other markets are taking part.
Fuad Naghiyev, chairman of Azerbaijan’s State Tourism Agency, PATA Chairman Henry Oh and Azerbaijan Tourism Bureau Executive Director Florian Sengstschmid addressed the opening ceremony.
Henry Oh said the summit aims to raise Azerbaijan’s international profile by drawing on PATA’s extensive regional and global network. “The main reason we are holding this event is to introduce Azerbaijan to the world,” he said.
He said the participation of 50 buyers from the Asia-Pacific region would help promote Azerbaijan as a tourism destination in key international markets.
During the summit, the Azerbaijan Tourism Bureau and PATA signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at deepening tourism cooperation, establishing business partnerships and increasing Azerbaijan’s visibility in the Asia-Pacific region.
The agreement provides for stronger links between Azerbaijani tourism companies and international travel businesses, as well as new opportunities for cooperation.
Florian Sengstschmid said the summit would also give participants an opportunity to discover Azerbaijan’s tourism offerings beyond Baku. He highlighted the capital’s urban environment, as well as the cultural and natural attractions in the regions.
The program includes panel discussions on attracting more tourists from Asian markets, along with business meetings bringing international tourism buyers together with Azerbaijani companies. The meetings are intended to establish partnerships, develop new travel products and promote tourism exchanges between Azerbaijan and Asia-Pacific countries.
Participants will also take part in a week-long tour covering five destinations in Azerbaijan: Baku, Shamakhi, Gabala, Sheki and Gakh.
The visit will showcase Baku’s urban life, as well as the regions’ historical sites, cultural heritage and natural landscapes.
