Azerbaijan, with its rich natural medical resources such as mineral waters, various types of oil, and volcanic muds, is emerging as an ideal destination for an extraordinary holiday and beneficial health treatments. The country’s capital, Baku, serves as the primary gateway for travelers, with Baku Airport welcoming an increasing number of visitors seeking wellness and medical tourism experiences.
The global trend of medical tourism is on the rise, with approximately 100 million of the world’s 1 billion tourists in 2015 traveling abroad for medical services. Azerbaijan’s tourism industry has recognized this opportunity and is actively working to revitalize the sector by leveraging the country’s natural medical resources.
Azerbaijan offers a range of resorts, sanatoriums, and hotels catering to various health needs, including climatic, balneal, mud therapy, and salt caves. The appeal of medical tourism in Azerbaijan is not only limited to local tourists but also attracts international visitors looking for thermal spa holidays or health-related trips.
Medical tourism in Azerbaijan is highly profitable, as health tourists tend to spend more and stay longer in the country compared to regular tourists. Ruslan Guliyev, head of the Medical Support and Thermal Tourism Association of Azerbaijan, highlights the potential of medical tourism as a promising direction for the development of domestic tourism.
The country boasts large reserves of mineral water, therapeutic mud, and the renowned Naftalan crude oil, known for its healing properties. Health centers such as Naftalan, Duzdag, Istisu, and Qalaalti have been popular since the Soviet era and continue to attract tourists for health purposes.
The improvement of medical tourism in Azerbaijan has been supported by the adoption of a state program on the development of resorts in 2008-2009, the establishment of the Association to support health and thermal tourism, and the opening of modern medical and health centers in Baku, Naftalan, Nakhchivan, and other regions.
Tourists visiting Azerbaijan for medical treatment can also enjoy the country’s natural beauty, cuisine, and lifestyle, with the opportunity to explore the Caucasus Mountains and experience the mild climate and breathtaking landscapes.
In summary, Baku Airport is the gateway to Azerbaijan’s thriving medical tourism industry, offering visitors a unique combination of health benefits and cultural experiences in a beautiful natural setting.
