Sharp Increase in Israeli Tourism to Azerbaijan and Georgia

In January 2025, the number of tourists from Israel to Azerbaijan increased 3.9 times compared to the same period in 2024, reports Stmegi, citing data from the State Statistics Committee. In total, 176,600 foreign tourists visited Azerbaijan during this period, marking a 4.1% increase compared to the previous year.

Analysts also noted a surge in arrivals from:
- China – 2.2 times
- Tajikistan – 2.1 times
- Spain – 1.9 times
- India and Jordan – 1.7 times

Significant increases were recorded for:
- Egypt (+42.9%)
- Netherlands (+30.4%)
- Kyrgyzstan (+27.2%)
- Pakistan (+25.6%)
- USA (+23.7%)
- Yemen (+21.5%)
- UAE (+20.4%)
- Turkmenistan (+16.7%)
- Kazakhstan (+15.5%)
- France (+13.9%)
- Italy (+11.7%)

Tourism Trends by Region

Compared to January 2024:
- EU tourist arrivals increased by 7.3% to 5,100
- Gulf countries saw a 5.4% decline, totaling 33,200 visitors
- CIS tourists decreased by 4.8% to 58,400

Among the arriving tourists, 71.9% were male.
- 71.5% traveled by air
- 26.4% used rail or road transport
- 2.1% arrived by sea

Top Countries of Origin

According to Oxu.Az, the largest share of visitors to Azerbaijan came from:
- Russia – 24%
- Turkey – 18.3%
- India – 9.9%
- Iran – 8.7%
- Georgia – 5%
- Saudi Arabia – 3.6%
- UAE and Kazakhstan – 3.2% each
- Pakistan – 3.1%
- Kuwait – 2.2%
- Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan – 1.7% each
- China – 1.5%
- Ukraine – 1.4%
Although Israel accounted for only 1.2%, its rapid growth rate is among the highest. Experts attribute this surge to the abolition of the visa regime, improved flight connectivity between Baku and Tel Aviv, and the strong cultural-historical ties between the two nations, particularly the Jewish community in Quba.

Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation

According to Caliber.az, Azerbaijan and Israel have been enhancing cooperation, as discussed during a meeting in late February 2025 between Azerbaijan’s ambassador to Israel, Mukhtar Mammadov, and Israeli parliament members.

The growing partnership is expected to further boost tourism, with potential increases in flights and combined travel packages offering visits to historical sites, mountain resorts, and cultural centers. Interest in gastronomic and eco-tourism is also rising.

Israeli Tourism Growth in the Caucasus
Israeli tourists are increasingly visiting the Caucasus region. In Georgia, for example, Israeli arrivals surged by 43.3%, from 217,065 in 2023 to 310,982 in 2024, making Israel the fourth-largest source of tourists in the country, according to the National Tourism Administration.

Financially, Israel ranked third in tourism revenue growth in Georgia, with a 41.6% annual increase.

Q1 2024 revenue: $66 million
Q2 2024 revenue: $109 million
Q3 2024 revenue: $147 million
Q4 2024 revenue: $114 million (a seasonal decline, but still above Q1 levels)

Total revenue from Israeli tourists: $435.5 million
The National Bank of Georgia noted that such growth was unprecedented. In previous years:

2019 revenues ranged between $28M and $89M
2022 revenues ranged between $35M and $97M
2023 revenues saw a Q4 low of $50M and a Q3 high of ~$110M
Global Tourism Recovery and Future Outlook
Experts highlight a steady recovery in the global tourism industry, driven by improving economic conditions and the easing of travel restrictions. The number of tourists is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, creating opportunities for:
- Tour operators
- Hospitality businesses
- Luxury travel
- There is a rising demand for premium vacations, unique experiences, and personalized tourism services. Experts predict a boom in high-end resorts and exclusive travel experiences.