Русский
The number of Russian tourists visiting Azerbaijan declined in 2025 due to political strains and the crash of an Azeri jet in Kazakhstan; however, positive tourism dynamics have emerged in January 2026, and Russian visitors may approach the record figures seen in 2024, Azerbaijani Ambassador in Moscow Rahman Mustafayev has stated.
Speaking at a working meeting of Azerbaijani travel companies with Russian travel agents in Moscow, organized by the country’s Tourism Bureau, Mustafayev said, “We saw a very large influx of tourists from Russia in 2024. Due to certain circumstances, this flow decreased in 2025, but the figures for January show we have reasons to hope that this flow into our country will recover, and Azerbaijan will again become a desirable destination for Russian tourists, as well as for guests of our beautiful country from other places.”
A total of 41,000 Russian tourists visited Azerbaijan in January 2025, and more than 42,000 in January 2026, he said. Data from the Azerbaijan Tourism Bureau show that a total of 615,000 Russian tourists visited Azerbaijan in 2025, versus 730,000 in 2024.
Russia and Azerbaijan are actively working to fully normalize their relations, Mustafayev said. “An active normalization process is ongoing. There are dynamics in trade and economic issues and in political and humanitarian contacts. We are actively working to develop our infrastructure, including hotels, regional routes, and tourism services, also promoting development programs,” he said.
Azerbaijan has managed to maintain its social stability and economic growth despite the tense situation in the Middle East. Russian tourists are becoming increasing sought after, as they now spend more overseas. On average than European visitors, as the cost of living in Russia is lower, leading to higher levels of disposable income.
