Azerbaijan Champions Sustainable Tourism at PATA Summit 2025 in Istanbul with Global Leaders and Climate-Focused Strategies

Azerbaijan is making a notable presence at the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Annual Summit 2025, which is being hosted in Istanbul, Türkiye, from April 21 to 23. Representing the nation are Florian Sengstschmid, CEO of the Azerbaijan Tourism Board, and Gunay Bayramova, Deputy Director of the Tourism Policy and Strategy Department and Acting Director at the State Tourism Agency.

Themed “Timeless Wisdom for a Sustainable Future,” this year’s summit serves as a vital platform for international tourism leaders, government officials, and industry stakeholders to discuss innovative policies and resilient strategies for shaping the future of global travel.

Mr. Sengstschmid took part in the high-level Government/Ministerial Session, where discussions centered on the pivotal role of coordinated policy frameworks, forward-thinking governance, and cross-sector collaboration in achieving sustainability within the tourism ecosystem.

Azerbaijan is using the opportunity to spotlight its national vision for eco-conscious travel, including initiatives aimed at minimizing tourism’s environmental footprint, safeguarding cultural landmarks, and nurturing community-based tourism in rural areas. These efforts are geared toward ensuring that tourism development yields lasting value for local populations.

The country’s involvement in the summit highlights its proactive role in shaping a sustainable tourism narrative. Ongoing projects include a national sustainability certification system and engagement with the WTTC’s Hotel Sustainability Basics framework. Preservation projects in historic villages like Basgal and Khinalig, as well as extensive destination evaluations and close collaboration with local stakeholders, demonstrate Azerbaijan’s commitment to embedding sustainability at every level of tourism management. The inclusion of Tourism Day in the official COP29 program further underscores Azerbaijan’s alignment with global climate-conscious initiatives.

Source: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/azerbaijan-champions-sustainable-tourism-at-pata-summit-2025-in-istanbul-with-global-leaders-and-climate-focused-strategies/