On February 27, a public hearing titled "Current Status and Development Perspectives of Tourism in Azerbaijan" was held in the Milli Majlis (National Assembly), organized by the Committee for Labour and Social Policy.
The Operative Information Center-OMM was informed by the Milli Majlis (National Assembly) that Committee Chairman Musa Guliyev highlighted the modern development of tourism in Azerbaijan, attributing it to the care and attention of President Ilham Aliyev. Guliyev detailed the infrastructure projects, state programs, and the legislative framework implemented to bolster the sector.
It was noted that initiatives by First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva regarding the protection and promotion of national-cultural heritage, along with the organization of international cultural-humanitarian platforms, have significantly contributed to promoting Azerbaijan globally and strengthening its national tourism brand.
The committee chairman stated that Azerbaijan's tourism infrastructure is expanding and modernizing annually, becoming increasingly attractive to both domestic and foreign tourists. Growth is being observed across various sectors, including health, seasonal, regional, cultural, and business tourism.
Currently, approximately 80,000 people are employed in Azerbaijan's tourism sector; however, estimates suggest that the industry's development could support the creation of more than 450,000 new jobs in the coming years.
Fuad Naghiyev, Chairman of the State Tourism Agency, discussed the state policy aimed at developing tourism and measures taken to simplify travel to the country. He highlighted the positive dynamics in inbound tourism statistics, noting that in 2025, the tourism sector's share in the economy rose to 5.3 percent for the first time.
"The rapid growth dynamics have supported the trend of creating new jobs in this field. These rising indicators confirm that Azerbaijan's tourism sector maintains sustainable development and is becoming one of the strategic pillars of the non-oil economy," Naghiyev stated.
The hearing also addressed challenges such as pricing, aviation logistics, and seasonality. Members of the Milli Majlis (National Assembly), including Ahliman Amiraslanov and Polad Bulbuloglu, emphasized the importance of medical and culinary tourism. It was noted that the new airports and hotels built in the liberated territories of Garabagh, including Shusha and Fuzuli, serve as vital infrastructure for the future of the industry.
Tourism has become a priority for the Republic of Azerbaijan as part of its economic diversification strategy. By investing in transport hubs and international-standard hospitality, the country aims to position itself as a leading destination in the Caucasus region, leveraging its unique geography between Europe and Asia.
