The delegation representing Azerbaijan participated in the "Tourism Days" event held from April 25-27 in Shakhrisabz, Uzbekistan, which was designated as the 2024 Tourism Capital of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO).

During the "Shakhrisabz 2024 – ECO Tourism Capital" Forum, Kenan Guluzade, Advisor to the Chairman of the State Tourism Agency of Azerbaijan, emphasized the growing tourism relations between Azerbaijan and ECO member states. He highlighted that in 2023, over 7,200 direct flights were operated between Azerbaijan and ECO member countries, with 1,500 direct flights already recorded in the first quarter of 2024.

He also noted that in 2023, over 730,000 visitors from ECO countries, mainly from Turkey, Iran, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, traveled to Azerbaijan. Meanwhile, more than 1 million Azerbaijani citizens visited ECO member states, with Turkey, Iran, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan being the most popular destinations.

K.Guluzade also emphasized that Shusha has been selected as the ECO Tourism Capital for 2026, highlighting this as a significant step toward promoting Karabakh’s tourism potential.

As part of the event organized by the Uzbekistan Tourism Committee, an ethno-festival was held, where Azerbaijani cuisine was showcased.

The forum also featured discussions on enhancing tourism cooperation and expanding collaboration opportunities among ECO member states.

It is worth noting that on May 2-3, Baku will host the first-ever forum of tour operators from ECO member states, marking a significant milestone for regional tourism cooperation.