World Bank: Azerbaijan's tourism relies on a few key markets

Just three to four key source markets account for 66% of foreign tourist arrivals in Azerbaijan, creating structural risks for the country's tourism sector, World Bank Senior Private Sector Development Specialist Shaun Mann said Thursday, Report informs.

Speaking at the event "Unlocking Azerbaijan's Tourism Potential for Economic Growth and Diversification" in Baku, Mann warned that heavy reliance on visitors from a limited number of countries could lead to a sharp drop in demand if economic or political conditions change in those markets.

He noted that between 2017 and 2025, Azerbaijan saw significant growth in tourist arrivals from India, Saudi Arabia, Israel, China, Pakistan, and Türkiye, while arrivals from Russia, Georgia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates declined. According to Mann, these shifts were driven by changes in air connectivity and visa policies, while also reflecting a broader transformation in the country's tourism markets.

Mann said attracting visitors from new source markets will require tourism products tailored to their needs, helping strengthen the sector's resilience and diversify its visitor base.