Visitors’ Numbers In Azerbaijan Show An Upward Trend

In the first 2 months of 2025, the number of tourists reached 368,000, marking an increase of approximately 10.1% compared to the same period in 2024. Many of these visitors arrived from Russia, Turkey, and Iran, which together accounted for over 55% of all arrivals. A large number of guests also came from India, Georgia, and Kazakhstan.

Rapid growth

In 2022, Azerbaijan's tourism sector began its post-pandemic recovery, as markets like India saw approximately 60,700 visitors and China contributed a modest starting base of roughly 7,000 to 8,000 travellers.

By 2023, the sector saw a massive 4.1-fold surge in Chinese arrivals and a doubling of Indian tourists to 117,300, alongside notable growth from Saudi Arabia, Kyrgyzstan, and European markets such as Italy and Spain.

China emerged as the leading contributor to Azerbaijan's tourism sector in 2023, with arrivals rising 4.1-fold from the previous year. Alongside this, significant growth rates were observed in countries such as Saudi Arabia, India, Kyrgyzstan,and Bahrain.

By the end of 2024, arrivals from Gulf nations were estimated at approximately 400,000, reflecting a 25-40% growth trend driven by increased flight frequency. Similarly, Kyrgyzstan’s contributions were projected to surge 1.5-fold to 1.7-fold, potentially bringing its visitor count to record levels, driven by simplified visa-free access and enhanced regional connectivity.

In 2025, China solidified its position as a primary growth market for Azerbaijan. Chinese visitors grew by 49% to approximately 60,000 by year's end. Other regions, such as Saudi Arabia, Kyrgyzstan, and various Gulf nations, are experiencing a steady influx of people travelling to Azerbaijan, with arrivals from the Middle East rising by over 13%.

Additionally, European nations such as Italy, Spain, and Moldova contributed to the positive trend, boosting the country's increasing popularity among global travellers. The expansion of economy-class flights and enhanced flight connectivity from Baku have been pivotal in fostering tourism, enabling travellers to explore Azerbaijan's rich cultural heritage, scenic landscapes, and seasonal attractions.

Trends in Tourist Arrivals and Transportation Preferences in Azerbaijan

Here is a simple look at where visitors come from, how much the numbers are growing, and how people choose to travel to the country.

Percentage of arrivals by region as of Late 2025:

Increase in Arrivals from Selected Countries in late 2025 (Compared to 2024):

Increase in Arrivals from Selected Countries (Percentage Increase):

Arrivals by Region in Last Year:

Transportation Used:

Combined data for tourist arrivals in Azerbaijan (January-March 2025):