Baku:The 3rd International Health Tourism Conference, organized by Azerbaijan's State Tourism Agency, commenced in Baku with an opening ceremony that included the national anthem of Azerbaijan. The conference has gathered representatives from government institutions, healthcare facilities, the tourism industry, and international experts from countries including Germany, Austria, the United Kingdom, and several others.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the conference aims to showcase Azerbaijan's potential in medical and wellness tourism, promote international expertise exchange, and foster new cooperation ties. In his address, Fuad Naghiyev, Chairman of the State Tourism Agency, highlighted the country's natural therapeutic resources, medical infrastructure, and historical and cultural heritage as key assets for diversifying health tourism offerings.

Minister of Health Anar Bayramov described medical tourism as a growing sector ripe with development potential, citing Azerbaijan's geographical location, medical infrastructure, and qualified specialists as foundational elements for establishing the country as a regional medical tourism hub.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, via video message, stressed the importance of maintaining patient health and safety, service quality, and post-treatment support in the development of medical tourism. He commended Azerbaijan's efforts to strengthen ties between healthcare and tourism sectors.

The conference will continue with discussions on Azerbaijan's natural therapeutic resources, particularly Naftalan oil, the development of personalized tourism services, and the modern positioning of sanatoriums.