The Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB) organised a familiarisation trip to Azerbaijan for media representatives from Serbia.

The visit was arranged in connection with the launch of direct flights between Baku and Belgrade operated by Serbia’s national carrier, Air Serbia. Alongside 12 representatives from leading Serbian media outlets, the delegation also included two representatives of the airline.

As part of the programme, the delegation visited Baku’s key tourist attractions and explored destinations with significant tourism potential, including the Icherisheher (Old City), the Heydar Aliyev Center, the Gobustan National Historical and Artistic Reserve and the Mud Volcanoes Tourism Complex.

Guests also took part in guided city tours and received detailed information about Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage and tourism opportunities. In addition, a gastronomy masterclass showcasing Azerbaijani national cuisine was organised as part of the programme.

The delegation was also introduced to the summer tourism opportunities offered by Sea Breeze Resort.

During the familiarisation trip, the guests visited the Main Department of Architecture and Urban Planning of Baku City. At the meeting, Head of the Department Riad Gasimov presented Baku’s Master Plan for 2040. Gulshan Rzayeva, Deputy Chief of Staff of the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture and Deputy National Coordinator of the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), also provided detailed information on preparations for WUF13, which will take place in Azerbaijan on 17-22 May.

As part of the visit, the delegation became acquainted with the Baku White City project, receiving insights into both completed and ongoing urban development initiatives and taking part in a walking tour of the area.

Within the cultural programme, a joint Azerbaijan–Serbia classical music concert was organised at the Azerbaijan State Academic Philharmonic Hall named after Muslim Magomayev by the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Azerbaijan, serving as an example of the growing cultural ties between the two countries.

It should be noted that a mutual visa-free regime is in place for citizens of Azerbaijan and Serbia. Starting from 3 May, direct flights on the Baku–Belgrade route operated by Air Serbia twice a week are expected to make a significant contribution to the development of tourism exchange between the two countries.