Baku: The 71st meeting of the European Regional Commission of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) has commenced in Baku, with participation from over 150 delegates representing nearly 40 countries. Fuad Naghiyev, Chairman of the State Tourism Agency, highlighted Azerbaijan’s commitment to cooperating with UN Tourism and acknowledged the positive outcomes of this collaboration.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Azerbaijan, a member of UN Tourism since 2001, has actively engaged in its activities and played a significant role on the Executive Council, including serving as its Chair in 2017. Naghiyev attributed the growth of Azerbaijan’s tourism sector to the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, transforming the nation into a strategic hub connecting Europe to the broader region. In 2024, international visitor numbers increased by 26% compared to 2023, with tourist expenditure reaching 5.1 billion USD.

Further emphasizing the impact of hosting COP29, Naghiyev noted that it significantly boosted international tourism in Azerbaijan. For the first time, tourism was part of the COP agenda, thanks to Azerbaijan’s collaboration with UN Tourism. The COP29 Presidency, State Tourism Agency, and UN Tourism co-organized a Tourism Ministerial Event and two high-level roundtables, resulting in the ‘COP29 Declaration on Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism,’ supported by over 70 signatories, including many European countries.

Naghiyev also announced Azerbaijan’s candidacy for a seat on the Executive Council for the European region for the 2025-2029 term, with elections taking place during the event, expressing hopes for continued collaboration.

Natalia Bayona, UN Tourism Executive Director, praised Azerbaijan for its organization and hospitality. She emphasized the human-centered nature of tourism and the importance of innovation, education, and investment for a sustainable tourism future.

The event, attended by official representatives from 38 European member countries, will include reports on the organization’s 2024-2025 activities and elections for the General Assembly and various committees and working groups. The second day will feature a thematic conference titled ‘From Momentum to Milestones: Advancing Climate Action in Tourism Beyond COP29.’