23 Apr 2025
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Azerbaijan is represented by the State Tourism Agency (STA) and Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB) at the ongoing Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Annual Summit 2025, taking place in Istanbul, Türkiye from April 21–23. The country is represented by Florian Sengstschmid, CEO of Azerbaijan Tourism Board, and Gunay Bayramova, Deputy director of the TPS department, Acting Director at the State Tourism Agency.
Held under the theme “Timeless Wisdom for a Sustainable Future,” the summit gathers global tourism authorities, policymakers, and industry experts to exchange ideas on building a resilient and forward-looking tourism sector.
Mr. Sengstschmid contributed to the Government/Ministerial Session titled “Building a Sustainable Future,” where leaders were discussing the role of strategic governance, policy innovation, and collaborative action in driving sustainable progress within the travel industry.
Discussions with international counterparts focus on Azerbaijan’s strategic approach to sustainable tourism, including efforts to promote low-impact travel, protect cultural heritage, and advance rural tourism initiatives that deliver long-term benefits to local communities.
Azerbaijan’s participation in the summit underscores its commitment to building a more sustainable tourism sector. The country is advancing practical initiatives such as a national sustainability certification scheme and collaboration with WTTC’s Hotel Sustainability Basics. Through the preservation of Basgal and Khinalig villages, destination audits, and active engagement with local communities, Azerbaijan continues to integrate sustainability principles into tourism planning. The recognition of Tourism Day in the official COP29 agenda further reflects the country’s growing dedication to long-term, climate-conscious strategies.
