Azerbaijan targets 40% real growth in tourism by 2030

Azerbaijan's government is targeting approximately 40% real growth in value added generated in tourism-related sectors by 2030, according to the State Program on the Development of Tourism for 2026–2030, approved today by President Ilham Aliyev, Report informs.

Under the document, the tourism sector is expected to generate 8.5 billion manats ($5 billion) in value added next year. The figure is targeted to reach 12.2 billion manats $7.18 billion) by 2030.

The implementation of the State Program is expected to strengthen the regional and global competitiveness of Azerbaijan's tourism sector and transform the country into a competitive destination offering high-quality tourism experiences across various tourism segments based on sustainability principles.

The program will also promote more efficient use of tourism potential and encourage domestic and foreign investment. It is expected to support balanced socio-economic development across the regions, create new jobs, increase employment and household incomes, and contribute to raising the share of the non-oil and gas sector in GDP.

Meanwhile, tourism infrastructure will be modernized, the quality of tourism services improved, and sustainable growth in tourist arrivals ensured.

However, the program notes that worsening geopolitical conditions at regional and global levels, the emergence of international conflicts and widespread outbreaks of infectious diseases could hinder the full implementation of planned measures and result in partial deviations from certain target indicators.