At the 9th General Assembly of the Hotelstars Union (HSU), held in Oslo on 28 April 2025, Azerbaijan was unanimously confirmed as a full member. This membership places us alongside Europe's top destinations for hotel quality, and this is only the beginning of our continued drive to elevate hospitality standards across the country.
Since joining as an Implementing Member in 2019, Azerbaijan Tourism Board, in close partnership with the Azerbaijan Hotel Association and with the support of the State Tourism Agency, has worked steadily to implement the Hotelstars Union system nationwide. Now, with full member status, Azerbaijan is recognized as having successfully adopted HSU’s classification system as its national standard, including guaranteed compliance with the Union’s inspection procedures. This status not only strengthens Azerbaijan’s voice within the Union but also allows its representatives to participate fully in decision-making, including eligibility for leadership positions within the Board.
On behalf of Azerbaijan Tourism Board and the Azerbaijan Hotel Association, Rashad Aliyev, Deputy CEO of Azerbaijan Tourism Board, addressed the Assembly, emphasizing the country’s commitment to quality, consistency, and international hospitality standards.
“Since the introduction of the Certification Body for Hotel Star Classification, 263 hotels have been classified. In 2025, we’re extending assessments to regions of Azerbaijan and waiving the first-year certification fee to encourage broader participation,” Rashad Aliyev noted in his speech.
As Azerbaijan deepens its collaboration with HOTREC through HSU, the country looks forward to growing stronger as a destination, offering visitors consistent, high-quality experiences across all corners of the nation. This collaboration helps Azerbaijan strengthen its position on the global tourism map, bringing the world closer to the country's rich culture, heritage, and hospitality.