Azerbaijan has opened its third International Health Tourism Conference in Baku, bringing together government representatives, healthcare providers, tourism businesses and international experts.
The conference was organised by the State Tourism Agency of Azerbaijan and opened at the Baku Convention Center on 4 November. Participants included representatives from Germany, Austria, the United Kingdom, Georgia, Hungary, Kyrgyzstan, Türkiye, Spain, the Czech Republic and other countries.
The event is focused on Azerbaijan’s plans to develop its medical and wellness tourism offer, with discussions covering service quality, international cooperation and the accreditation of medical tourism facilities.
State Tourism Agency chairman Fuad Naghiyev said Azerbaijan’s medical infrastructure, natural therapeutic resources, qualified specialists and cultural heritage could help diversify the country’s tourism products. He also highlighted health and wellness tourism as a priority under the State Programme for the Development of Tourism in Azerbaijan for 2026–2030.
Health Minister Anar Bayramov described medical tourism as a sector linking healthcare, the economy and international cooperation. The conference is intended to promote Azerbaijan as a potential regional health-tourism hub, encourage exchanges of expertise and support new cooperation between tourism and healthcare organisations.
The event does not announce a specific new hospital, visitor target, international insurance agreement or guaranteed investment. Its immediate significance is the government’s attempt to establish stronger standards and international recognition for Azerbaijan’s health-tourism products.
The development could be relevant to specialist tour operators and destination-management companies selling thermal, rehabilitation, wellness or medical packages. However, the sector’s future growth will depend on accreditation, transparent patient services, international marketing and connectivity.
