A Landmark Event in Azerbaijan-India Tourism Relations
On June 7th, the Azerbaijan Tourism Board, in collaboration with BRANDit, held a significant press conference in Mumbai, India. This event, attended by top local media representatives, marked a pivotal moment in the tourism relations between Azerbaijan and India. The highlight of the press conference was the announcement of BRANDit as the new representative office in India, a move that underscores the growing interest of Indian travellers in Azerbaijan.
Insights from Key Leaders
During the event, Florian Sengstschmid, CEO of the Azerbaijan Tourism Board, and Ms. Lubaina Sheerazi, CEO of BRANDit, shared their insights and plans for enhancing Azerbaijan’s visibility in the Indian market.
“Tourism relations between Azerbaijan and India are at a historic high, with increasing arrival numbers and many new emerging experiences and tourism opportunities for Indians, including family and solo vacations, destination weddings, Bollywood and Tamil movies shooting. Comparing to the same period last year, the number of Indian tourists visiting Azerbaijan has surpassed a twofold rise (2.6). With the appointment of BRANDit as our representative office, we are poised to sustain and elevate this growing trend,” – shared Florian Sengstschmid, CEO of the Azerbaijan Tourism Board.
He further announced the successful finalization of a roadshow in three Indian cities — Bangalore, Pune and Kolkata with top Indian travel trade representatives, providing both sides with an opportunity to enhance tourism partnerships. Following Mr. Sengstschmid’s remarks, Ms. Lubaina Sheerazi took the stage, expressing her readiness to support the collaboration.
Following Mr. Sengstschmid’s remarks, Ms. Lubaina Sheerazi took the stage, expressing her readiness to support the collaboration.
“We’re thrilled to partner with the Azerbaijan Tourism Board as part of BRANDit’s growing portfolio. Our collaboration aims to unveil Azerbaijan’s hidden treasures and connect Indians with its unique experiences and use our expertise in the Indian outbound market, travel trade, and media to capture the growing interest in the destination.”–Lubaina Sheerazi, CEO and Co-founder, BRANDit.
Interactive Session and Networking Event
The press conference concluded with an interactive session, where attendees had the opportunity to engage with speakers and learn more about the exciting future of tourism relations between Azerbaijan and India. Following the agenda, on June 8th, 2024, media and travel trade representatives gathered for a networking event in Mumbai, India.
The Rising Popularity of Azerbaijan Among Indian Tourists
The growing number of arrivals highlights Azerbaijan’s emergence as a highly sought-after travel destination for Indian tourists. This popularity is fueled by its accessible flights, hassle-free e-visa process, and reputation as a vibrant cultural and business centre.
Ease of Travel: Flights and E-Visas
E-visas, obtainable from evisa.gov.az within three days for just $26, along with non-stop flights, enable travellers to reach the Caucasus region’s biggest city in just four hours. Currently, AZAL Airlines operates flights between Baku and Mumbai four times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays, as well as flights between Baku and New Delhi three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. In addition, IndiGo Airlines operates flights from Baku to Delhi every day, with plans to introduce a new route with three flights per week from Baku to Mumbai.
Exploring the Rich Heritage and Modern Attractions of Azerbaijan
A Crossroads of Culture
Standing at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, and supported by a rich history that spans 5000 years, Azerbaijan is an ideal destination for family vacations, solo travellers, and weddings. The diverse culture of Azerbaijan has flourished over the ages, also influenced by travellers passing the Great Silk Road.
Historic Landmarks and Cultural Sites
Ateshgah, the Fire Temple, marked by spouts of flames and inscriptions in Sanskrit adorned by 19th-century Hindu merchants, continues to captivate travellers. While in Azerbaijan, visitors can explore diverse tourism offerings, including UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Old City of Baku and the Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape on the outskirts of the capital, the Sheki Historic Centre in the northwest, and the newly inscribed Khinalig village and ‘Köç Yolu’ in the north.
Cosmopolitan Baku: A Blend of History and Modernity
Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan, rich in ancient landmarks and sea views, is preordained for romance, which is the reason for so many Indian weddings being hosted here. Cosmopolitan Baku offers a vibrant city life with its museums, trendy bars, and restaurants with local and international cuisine. 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 business and big international events, including proudly hosting COP29 in the fall of 2024.
A Destination for All Seasons
Azerbaijan is not only a summer destination but offers year-round attractions. The country’s diverse landscapes, from the Caspian Sea beaches to the Caucasus Mountains, provide varied experiences for every traveller. Whether it’s skiing in the winter, hiking in the spring, or enjoying cultural festivals throughout the year, Azerbaijan caters to all interests.
Culinary Delights
No visit to Azerbaijan is complete without experiencing its culinary delights. The country’s cuisine is a rich tapestry of flavours influenced by its diverse history. Traditional dishes like plov, dolma, and kebabs, paired with local wines and teas, offer a feast for the senses. Food enthusiasts will find Baku’s food scene vibrant with a mix of traditional eateries and modern restaurants.
Future Prospects: Strengthening Ties and Enhancing Tourism
The appointment of BRANDIT as the Indian representative office is a strategic move to tap into the growing interest of Indian travellers in Azerbaijan. With focused marketing campaigns, roadshows, and collaborations with the Indian travel trade, Azerbaijan aims to position itself as a premier travel destination for Indian tourists.
Strategic Initiatives and Collaborations
The Azerbaijan Tourism Board plans to implement several strategic initiatives to boost tourism from India. These include targeted marketing campaigns, participation in Indian travel fairs, and partnerships with Bollywood for film shootings. By showcasing Azerbaijan’s unique attractions and ease of travel, the tourism board aims to attract a significant number of Indian tourists in the coming years.
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