Tourism

Azerbaijan, with its European and Islamic culture developed over centuries of tradition, is a fascinating country. In the Azeri language, “Azer” means “fire,” and the ancient religion of fire-worshipping, or Zoroastrianism, began here.

Hidden gem with a rich history

Abulfas Garayev, Minister of Sports, Youth and Tourism

Medieval sites such as the Maiden Tower and the palace of the Shirvan Shahs in Baku are unique.

Located at the meeting point between Europe and Asia, Azerbaijan has nine out of the eleven climatic zones, ranging from the temperate to the subtropical. The territory has 1,250 rivers, spectacular mountainous lakes and more than 1,000 mineral springs. It is also home over 4,000 types of plants and 1,200 animal species.

According to Minister of Sports, Youth and Tourism Abulfas Garayev, “If there is a business that benefits a country’s people as well as contributes to developing its image in the world, it is tourism. Tourism is a very lucrative business, and the government of Azerbaijan, headed by President Ilham Aliyev, has made the sector one of its priorities in developing the country’s economy.”

Garayev believes that tourism can benefit the economy and Azerbaijan’s democratic development, as well as its global integration. He says, “By developing the tourism sector and opening its doors to visitors from all over the world, Azerbaijan is proving its willingness to cooperate, maintain and develop relations with countries around the world.”

The Ministry of Sports, Youth and Tourism is developing six primary tourist destinations, which include the capital Baku – with its cultural monuments and rich history – Nakhichivan, and the former Silk Road route.
“The development of the tourism sector in Azerbaijan is not in the hands of the government,” says Garayev, “but rather private investors and businesspeople. The role of foreign investors in this process is essential.” He adds, “Come and see Azerbaijan!”