23 Feb 2024
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The Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB) is returning to South Asia Travel and Tourism Exchange (SATTE), one of the largest travel and tourism exhibitions in the region scheduled to take place from February 22nd to 24th, 2024 in New Delhi, India.
SATTE provides a platform for travel and tourism professionals to network and gain insights into the latest trends and developments in the industry. Together with 19industry partners, hospitality industry members, tour operators and tourism agencies, Azerbaijan is presenting myriads of travel experiences – from city and wellness experiences at the best resorts, from skiing at Caucasus Mountains to delicious traditional cuisine. Highlighting the significant of the event, Elchin Huseynli, the Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to India, also visited the stand, showcasing the strong bilateral ties between the two countries.
Additionally, a networking dinner has been organized to enhance collaboration between Indian tourism trade and media representatives, aiming to foster closer ties and exchange ideas with Azerbaijani representatives. The event included 49 travel trade professionals, IndiGo, and 11 media representatives.
Within the framework of the exhibition, Florian Sengstschmid, CEO of Azerbaijan Tourism Board participated at the PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) panel discussion dedicated to the current tourism trends and shared the vision of Azerbaijan to the current tourism landscape. Mr. Sengstschmid outlined Azerbaijan's ambitious objectives within a strategic framework aimed at not only increasing arrivals but surpassing them with diversification of tourism offerings and source markets.
This involves leveraging sustainable initiatives to diversify tourism experiences and products, expanding them for current and new source markets, prioritizing healthy growth in alignment with local interests. Such approach entails adapting experiences and products to suit new markets while also ensuring existing markets are exposed to various aspects of Azerbaijan, thereby deepening their understanding of the destination.
"It is great to be back to SATTE to showcase Azerbaijan's tourism potential to such a diverse audience. In 2023, Azerbaijan witnessed a significant recovery in international tourist arrivals, welcoming 2,086,443 visitors. This represents a recovery trajectory towards our pre-Covid levels, where we had recorded 3,167,869 international tourists in 2019. Despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic, our efforts in revitalizing the tourism sector have been fruitful, achieving approximately 70% of our pre-pandemic tourist arrival numbers," said Florian Sengstschmid, CEO of the Azerbaijan Tourism Board. "We anticipate a continued rise in arrival numbers and recognize the importance of participation in exhibitions like SATTE, crucial for fostering collaborations and advancing tourism development.”
In January 2024, the number of Indian travellers increased significantly to 10,135, compared to January 2023, when there were only 4,098 visitors from India. The growing number of arrivals highlights Azerbaijan’s emergence as a highly sought-after travel destination for Indian tourists, in part due to its convenient flights, easy e-visa procedures, and reputation as a dynamic cultural and business hub in the region. The demand from travellers is facilitated by the e-visa, which can be obtained from evisa.gov.az within 3 days, and the availability of non-stop flights, allowing travellers to reach the largest city in the Caucasus region in approximately 4 hours. Direct flights from Delhi are available through Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) and IndiGo, operating twice and four times a week respectively, with AZAL also offering direct flights to Mumbai twice a week. IndiGo is set to enhance its service offerings with increased flights from Delhi. The perfect blend of familiar cultural and historical points alongside entirely new experiences serves as another factor drawing more tourists to explore Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan is a safe family-oriented destination supported by a rich history that spans 5000 years. The diverse culture of Azerbaijan has flourished over the ages, also influenced by travellers passing the Great Silk Road. Ateshgah stands as a testament to this rich heritage, as this Fire Temple, marked by spouts of flames, and inscriptions in Sanskrit adorned by 19th-century Hindu merchants, continues to captivate travellers. Visitors to the stand can explore Azerbaijan's diverse tourism offerings, including UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Old City of Baku and the Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape, the Sheki Historic Centre in north-west and newly inscribed Khinalig village and ‘Köç Yolu’ in the north. While Baku offers a vibrant city life with its museums and trendy bars, the regions beckon tourists with opportunities for hiking in lush nature and skiing in the Caucasus Mountains. With top-notch infrastructure including the Skytrax 5-star rated Baku International Airport, chain hotels, iconic Flame Towers, and premier facilities like the Baku Congress Centre and Heydar Aliyev Centre, Azerbaijan is primed for hosting events and welcoming visitors alike.