Azerbaijan is joining Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania in significantly boosting the Middle East and Africa tourism sector in 2025. These eight countries are all experiencing surging visitor arrivals, increased travel spending, and strong government-led tourism investments. Their combined growth is driving a regional tourism boom characterized by cultural appeal, improved connectivity, and long-term national strategies.

As Azerbaijan prepares for 2025, its tourism sector is not merely recovering but thriving. The country is projected to contribute a remarkable ₼10.3 billion to its national economy through travel and tourism, reflecting a 32% increase from the previous year. This growth pushes the sector’s share of GDP to 8.2%, marking one of the strongest recoveries in the region.

The rise in international interest and cultural revitalization is evident, with visitor spending expected to hit ₼5.5 billion, indicating a complete recovery from pandemic-related downturns. Local spending for domestic tourism is forecasted to reach an all-time high of ₼3.8 billion. Furthermore, the tourism sector is anticipated to support 472 000 jobs in 2025, nearly 10% of Azerbaijan’s entire national workforce, a significant increase from around 423 700 jobs in 2024.

According to Travel And Tour World, Julia Simpson, President and CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), emphasized Azerbaijan’s growing prominence in global tourism, stating, “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.”

The growth of Azerbaijan’s tourism sector is attributed to years of focusing on cultural preservation, sustainable tourism, and economic diversification. This strategy has created a unique travel experience that merges authenticity with modern comforts, featuring sites like the UNESCO-listed Old City of Baku and the wellness retreats along the Caspian coast.

Looking beyond 2025, the WTTC projects that Azerbaijan’s tourism sector could grow to ₼17 billion by 2035, support nearly 670 000 jobs, and account for 11% of the national GDP. This vision reflects a long-term strategy aimed at sustainable growth and development in the tourism industry.

As the Middle East and Africa tourism sector continues to evolve in 2025, Azerbaijan stands as a key player alongside its regional counterparts, contributing to a vibrant and diverse travel landscape that is reshaping global tourism dynamics.