Azerbaijan-China Tourism Boom at CITM 2025: Visa-Free Access & New Baku Campaigns!

Azerbaijan and China advanced tourism ties at CITM 2025 in Haikou, with Azerbaijan’s State Tourism Agency Chairman Fuad Naghiyev meeting China’s Culture and Tourism Minister Sun Yeli and Vice Minister Gao Zheng to boost mutual visitor flows via visa waivers, marketing drives, and infrastructure upgrades. Visa-free access for Chinese tourists has spiked arrivals, fueling plans for a dedicated Azerbaijan tourism office in China and the “China Ready” program training locals for tailored services like cultural immersion and luxury eco-tours.​

Azerbaijan showcased its Old City (UNESCO site), Caucasus adventures, Shahdag resorts, and Baku’s modern vibe at a national pavilion with partners like AZAL airlines and Azerbaijan Tourism Bureau, positioning itself beyond Western hotspots for China’s outbound market amid Aliyev-Xi strategic partnerships. The earlier Baku China Tourism Summit reinforced B2B links, eyeing high-value Chinese travelers for economic gains.​

This cooperation promises easier flights, targeted ads in Chinese cities, and enhanced hospitality, drawing eco/adventure seekers to Azerbaijan’s heritage and nature.​

Key Initiatives

• Visa waivers drive Chinese influx; tourism office opening in China.
• “China Ready”: Service training for Mandarin-speaking staff, group tours.
• Marketing: Campaigns highlighting Baku, Gobustan, Sheki.

Visitor Benefits

• Seamless access; diverse options from wellness to mountains.
• Boosted flights via AZAL; cultural events for Chinese groups.​

Key Points:

• CITM 2025 meetings yield visa/marketing/tourism office pacts.
• Targets China’s booming outbound market post-visa abolition.
• “China Ready” preps Azerbaijan for luxury/eco Chinese travelers.
• Baku summit success; AZAL/Shahdag promo at pavilion.
• Economic lift via 230k+ 2025 visitors (Jan-Sep); infrastructure push.​