Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB) is participating in the 2019 Pakistan Travel Mart in Karachi, taking place from October 8 to 10 with an aim to attract more visitors from Pakistan and South Asia. "We are delighted to introduce our country and the 'Take another look' campaign in Pakistan through Pakistan Travel Mart.
South Asia is a key region for us and we look forward to welcoming its travellers and sharing Azerbaijan's tourism, leisure and business events potential. We are excited to strengthen our ties with Pakistan and enhance our tourism proposition in the industry, as we aim to provide Pakistani tourists with unique, authentic experiences that will leave a lasting impression", said ATB Chief Executive Officer Florian Sengstschmid on Thursday.
According to him, the Caucasus country (an area situated between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea) is currently on the cusp of a tourism boom, as it welcomed a record number of in-bound visitors spending more than US$2 billion in 2018, making it one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in the world.
"Azerbaijan welcomed 41,268 Pakistani travellers in 2018. In January-August of 2019 Azerbaijan has already received 28,576 Pakistani citizens, which is 12.9 percent increase in comparison to the same period of the last year," he added.
An Eastern country with a Western outlook, Azerbaijan is an exceptional combination of antiquity and novelty with several sites of interest. Supported by a rich history that dates back 5,000 years, and home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, its composite culture has evolved with the passing through of travellers along the Great Silk Road.
Sengstschmid revealed that among the country's top attractions is the ancient Ashab-i-Kahf. "Mentioned in the Holy Qur'an, it attracts thousands of tourists from the Middle East and South Asia to the western territory of Azerbaijan. The natural cave between the mountains of Ilandag sees tens of thousands of pilgrimages to the sacred location each year", he added.
Another popular attraction is the iconic UNESCO site of the ancient Ateshgah, a Fire Temple, which continues to amaze visitors with its spouts of flame. He boosted that a budget-friendly holiday destination closer than Europe, Baku offers the best places to do shopping. "The malls of Baku have low price offers and luxury brands. For those seeking a genuine local experience will enjoy the traditional bazaars. As well as traditional entertainments, Baku has a thriving jazz community, and DJs from around the world contribute to the lively nightlife", he added.
According to him, with high-profile sporting events, such as the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix and UEFA Europa League Final in 2019, annual food and music festivals, spectacular landscapes, including summer countryside and winter ski slopes, Azerbaijan is an ideal and a safe family-oriented destination with a constantly evolving tapestry of life and energy.
"With a direct flight in the foreseeable future, we encourage Pakistani travellers to 'Take Another Look' and discover all the possibilities and unique offering awaiting in Azerbaijan. Pakistani visitors can enjoy an easy visa policy with the newly implemented ASAN visa system. Citizens can obtain an e-visa in 3 simple steps from the convenience of their home or mobile devices," added Sengstschmid.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2019