22 Oct 2025
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Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB), together with two industry partners, proudly represented Azerbaijan with the “Experience Azerbaijan” stand at the Global Tourism Forum (GTF) Annual Meeting 2025, held from October 20–21 in Brussels, Belgium.
The prestigious event brought together global tourism leaders, policymakers, and travel industry professionals to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of international tourism.
During the forum, Azerbaijan was named the “Best Culinary Destination” in the Destination Excellence category by The World Tourism Awards Jury. This recognition highlights Azerbaijan’s growing global reputation for its rich culinary heritage and diverse gastronomic experiences, which beautifully reflect the country’s cultural depth and regional diversity.
Receiving the award on behalf of Azerbaijan Tourism Board, Rashad Aliyev, Deputy CEO of ATB, stated: “We’re especially proud that during this forum, Azerbaijan was named the ‘Best Culinary Destination’ in the Destination Excellence category. This recognition means a lot to us because our cuisine truly reflects who we are — diverse, creative, and deeply connected to our land and traditions.”
Throughout the two-day event, ATB held several important meetings with Shaikha Al Nowais, Secretary-General-elect of UN Tourism; H.E. Ambassador Kubanychbek Omuraliev, Secretary-General of the Organization of Turkic States; and Umid Shadiev, Chairman of the Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
With the support of the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Kingdom of Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the Mission to the European Union, the Belgian-Azerbaijani Chamber of Commerce, and Azerbaijan Tourism Board, a networking event titled “Tourism in Azerbaijan: Insights & Potential” was held in Brussels. The event was highlighted by a speech from Rashad Aliyev, who presented the latest initiatives and ongoing activities of ATB aimed at promoting Azerbaijan as a distinctive travel destination.
The Global Tourism Forum Annual Meeting is a leading international platform that unites public and private sector leaders to discuss sustainable development, innovation, and future strategies for the global travel industry.
