During the FITUR International Tourism Fair in Madrid, the Azerbaijan delegation, led by Fuad Naghiyev, Chairman of the State Tourism Agency, visited Spain to strengthen tourism partnerships and promote Azerbaijan’s presence in global tourism markets.

As part of the visit, Fuad Naghiyev met with Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of UN Tourism, at the organization's headquarters in Madrid. During the meeting, an agreement was signed to host the 71st session of the UN Tourism European Regional Commission in Baku from June 4-6, 2025. Discussions also covered Azerbaijan’s candidacy for membership in the UN Tourism Executive Council for 2025-2029, joint initiatives related to the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism, collaboration in tourism education, and Azerbaijan’s participation in UN Tourism’s "Best Tourism Villages" initiative.

Fuad Naghiyev also met with Jordi Hereu, Spain’s Minister of Industry and Tourism, to discuss Azerbaijan’s promotional efforts in the European market, including its participation in major Spanish travel fairs such as FITUR and IBTM World. Naghiyev invited Hereu to the upcoming UN Tourism European Regional Commission meeting in Baku. Minister Hereu, in turn, emphasized the importance of strengthening tourism cooperation and increasing reciprocal travel between Spain and Azerbaijan.

Additionally, bilateral meetings were held at the Azerbaijan pavilion between Fuad Naghiyev and Selso Sabino, Brazil’s Minister of Tourism, Jordi Torres Falco, Andorra’s Minister of Tourism and Commerce, and Umid Shadiyev, Chairman of Uzbekistan’s Tourism Committee, where discussions focused on existing and potential tourism collaborations.

The FITUR tourism fair, one of Europe’s largest travel events, traditionally hosts King Felipe VI of Spain every year, further highlighting the event’s significance in the global tourism industry.