BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. Tourism is an
investment sector that has a strong impact on many other areas of
the economy, Chairman of the State Tourism Agency of Azerbaijan
Fuad Naghiyev said on Saturday during the 2nd Azerbaijan
International Investment Forum in Baku, Trend's correspondent reports from the
event.


He noted that in recent years tourism has become an important
component of the diversification of Azerbaijan's economy.


"In 2025, tourism-related activities generated nearly 7 billion
manat ($4.11 billion) in added value, while the sector's share in
the country's economy reached approximately 5.4%, exceeding the
pre-pandemic level. In 2025 alone, tourism services generated
around $2 billion in foreign currency revenues," he said.


Naghiyev added that another important element is the development
of tourism and recreation zones.


"These zones are designed to combine tourism services and
spatial development, creating conditions for sustainable tourism
development and investment," he said.







The chairman noted that Azerbaijan sees significant potential
for international hotel brands and resort projects, as well as
growing opportunities in luxury, cultural and experiential
tourism.


"Azerbaijan's rich biodiversity, cultural heritage and unique
tourism assets provide a strong foundation for developing
distinctive and high-value experiences for international visitors,"
Naghiyev added.


The 2nd Azerbaijan International Investment Forum is being held
in Baku. The two-day forum is organized by the Ministry of Economy
and its subordinate Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion
Agency (AZPROMO), with The European House–Ambrosetti as its
strategic partner.


The plenary and panel sessions at the forum address strategic
topics including the Middle Corridor, energy and green transition,
artificial intelligence and digital transformation, infrastructure,
industry and free economic zones, critical raw materials,
agribusiness, financial cooperation, small and medium-sized
business development, tourism, and investment in real estate and
human capital.