Azerbaijan’s Tourism Boom in 2025
Azerbaijan’s travel and tourism sector is projected to experience significant growth in 2025. According to new data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the sector is expected to contribute ₼10.3 billion to the national economy, marking a 32% increase compared to the previous year. This contribution will account for 8.2% of the nation’s total GDP. Additionally, the sector is anticipated to support 472,000 jobs this year, which represents nearly 10% of total national employment.
International visitor spending is projected to reach ₼ 5.5 BN in 2025, marking a full post-pandemic recovery, while domestic visitor spending is forecast to reach a record new milestone, at ₼ 3.8 BN, up from ₼ 3.8 BN in 2009. The sharp growth in domestic and international visitor spending signals renewed strength in the country’s tourism economy.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said “Azerbaijan is turning heads in the global Travel & Tourism sector. With visitor spending rising and employment accelerating, 2025 is shaping up to be a breakthrough year.
“These figures reflect growing international appeal and the success of Azerbaijan’s long-term focus on diversification, cultural promotion, and sustainable tourism development. WTTC is proud to support the country’s journey.”
Looking Back at 2024
In 2024, Azerbaijan’s Travel & Tourism sector contributed ₼7.8BN to the economy, 10% behind 2019 levels, and supported 423,700 jobs. International visitor spending reached ₼3.4BN, a 29% increase year-on-year. Domestic visitor spending totalled ₼3.5BN, nearly 10% above 2023 levels. The upward trend across all indicators sets the stage for Azerbaijan to continue rising as a global tourism destination.
Vision 2035: Long-Term Promise
Looking ahead, WTTC forecasts that by 2035, Azerbaijan’s Travel & Tourism sector will contribute over ₼17BN to the economy, almost 11% of GDP, and support almost 670,000 jobs. This would represent nearly 200,000 new jobs over the next decade. International visitor spending is expected to hit just under ₼9.5BN, while domestic visitor spending is forecast to reach ₼6.3BN, reflecting balanced and sustained sector growth.
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