Award strengthens Azerbaijan’s image as culinary hotspot
By Mewati Sitaram
Azerbaijan has been honoured as the Best Culinary Destination at the Global Tourism Forum 2025 in Brussels, marking a major achievement for its tourism promotion efforts. The award was conferred in the Destination Excellence category by The World Tourism Awards Jury, further affirming the country’s fast-growing reputation as a hub for rich gastronomic and cultural experiences.
The Azerbaijan Tourism Board, along with two key industry partners, showcased the country’s attractions at the forum with the Experience Azerbaijan stand. The event, held from October 20 to 21 in the Belgian capital, brought together global tourism decision-makers, policymakers, experts and stakeholders to deliberate on the evolving landscape of international travel.
Receiving the award on behalf of the board, Rashad Aliyev, Deputy CEO of ATB, said the recognition reflected the nation’s deep culinary traditions rooted in its geography, culture and creativity. He added that Azerbaijan’s food culture is not just a tourism offering but a symbol of its identity and heritage.
The two-day forum also provided opportunities for high-level dialogues. The Azerbaijan delegation held meetings with Shaikha Al Nowais, Secretary-General-elect of UN Tourism, Ambassador Kubanychbek Omuraliev, Secretary-General of the Organization of Turkic States, and Umid Shadiev, Chairman of the Tourism Committee of Uzbekistan.
A special networking session titled Tourism in Azerbaijan: Insights and Potential was hosted in Brussels with support from the Embassy of Azerbaijan and partner organisations. The session highlighted new initiatives to strengthen Azerbaijan’s presence as a distinctive and competitive travel destination on the global map.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
