Tourist arrivals in Azerbaijan increased by almost a third

The number of tourists visiting Azerbaijan during the first 5 months of this year, was 200,000 more than the same period last year. It means that there was almost a 30% growth in tourist arrivals in the reporting period – Azerbaijani Culture and Tourism Minister, Abulfas Garayev, reported.

Facilitation of the visa regime is one the major reasons for the increase in the number of tourists. “We have opened our doors to nearly 90 countries,’ APA news agency quoted the Minister as saying.

According to the Minister, Azerbaijan expects a great influx of tourists from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) this year.

As the Minister added, ‘this year is going to be a test for us’ in terms of tourism.

Azerbaijan pins particular hopes on the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix-Formula 1, which is scheduled for 22-25 June in Baku. As Minister Garayev pointed out, 95% of the country’s huge hotel chains are occupied during the Formula-1 event. Reservations have already been made. Besides this, visitors from the Persian Gulf countries can stay not only in the capital, but also in the country’s regions.

The Minister also noted that the hostels network, which is particularly popular among young travelers, was also gradually developing in the country. A cost for overnight stay in such a hostel makes about AZN 10 (approximately EUR 5.30).