Quba, September 7–9, 2025 – The Second Kazakhstan–Azerbaijan tourism forum was held in Quba. The three-day event brought together Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan Alim Bayel, Member of the Milli Majlis representing Quba Alibala Magerramzade, representatives of the State Tourism Agency of Azerbaijan, public figures, and delegates from 56 tourism companies of the two countries.

In his welcoming address, Ambassador Bayel noted with satisfaction the growing tourist traffic between the two brotherly nations. He emphasized that Kazakhstan accounts for around 50% of all visitors from Central Asia traveling to Azerbaijan. Kazakhstan currently ranks sixth among countries sending tourists to Azerbaijan, following Russia, Türkiye, India, Iran, and Georgia. According to the diplomat, Azerbaijan attracts Kazakh travelers thanks to its picturesque landscapes, cultural and linguistic proximity, as well as regular direct flights.

The Kazakh diplomat also highlighted the importance of the aplanned construction of a health and wellness resort on the shores of Lake Alakol in Kazakhstan, with the involvement of Kazakh–Azerbaijani investments. The establishment of this modern complex is expected to become a landmark project in bilateral tourism cooperation.

Addressing the forum, MP Magerramzade underscored the need to boost tourist flows not only from Kazakhstan to Azerbaijan but also in the opposite direction. He expressed confidence that the tourism sector plays a vital role in bringing the two peoples closer together, fostering mutual understanding of cultures and traditions. Representatives of the State Tourism Agency of Azerbaijan, tourism companies from both countries, and Air Astana presented their services, travel packages, and highlighted the natural beauty and attractions of Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan.

As part of the forum, B2B meetings and familiarization tours were organized, during which Kazakh guests were introduced to the tourism potential of the Quba region.

It is worth recalling that the First Tourism Forum was held in 2024 at the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Baku, generating significant interest from representatives of the tourism sector of both countries. Over the past year, tourist flows between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan have increased considerably. According to the State Tourism Agency of Azerbaijan, about 59,000 Kazakh tourists visited Azerbaijan in January–July of this year, marking a 58% increase compared to the same period last year. The number of Azerbaijani visitors to Kazakhstan during the same period grew by 48%.

In his annual Address to the Nation on September 8, 2025, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stressed that comprehensive development of tourism infrastructure remains one of the Government’s key priorities.