3rd International Health Tourism Conference Held in Baku

Organized by the State Tourism Agency, the 3rd International Health Tourism Conference is being held in Baku on November 4–5.

Bringing together representatives of government agencies, healthcare institutions, the tourism industry, and international experts from Germany, Austria, Great Britain, Georgia, Hungary, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, Spain, the Czech Republic, and other countries, the main purpose of the conference is to internationally promote Azerbaijan's medical and wellness tourism potential, encourage experience sharing, and support the establishment of new cooperative ties.

At the opening of the conference, Fuad Naghiyev, Chairman of the State Tourism Agency, spoke about Azerbaijan's potential in the field of health tourism, the importance of state support in developing this sector, and upcoming priorities. He stated that the country's natural healing resources, medical infrastructure, and historical-cultural heritage create significant opportunities for diversifying health tourism products.

In his speech, the Chairman emphasized the importance of priority directions outlined in the "State Program for the Development of Tourism in the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2026–2030," such as the development of health and medical tourism, the enhancement of service quality, and the expansion of international accreditation opportunities for medical tourism facilities. He noted that combining Azerbaijan's health traditions and natural resources with modern tourism practices will contribute to the formation of competitive health tourism products in the international market.

Anar Bayramov, Minister of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan, noted in his speech that medical tourism is a rapidly developing field lying at the intersection of healthcare, economy, and international cooperation. He stated that Azerbaijan's favorable geographical position, developing medical infrastructure, qualified specialists, and tourism capabilities create a solid foundation for the country to become a regional medical tourism hub.

The Minister emphasized that the application of international accreditation and quality standards, increasing service competitiveness, and strengthening the trust of foreign patients in our country are among the key priorities. To achieve these goals, he highlighted the importance of effective cooperation between government agencies, public and private enterprises, investors, and international partners.

In a video message addressed to the conference, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), emphasized the importance of protecting patient health and safety, ensuring the quality of medical services, and providing post-treatment medical support alongside the development of medical tourism. He noted that health tourism should support the goals of the national health system and welcomed Azerbaijan's efforts to strengthen cooperation between the health and tourism sectors.

During the event, discussions will be held on strategic priorities for the development of medical tourism, strengthening Azerbaijan's position in international markets, the importance of coordination among government bodies, medical institutions, and other stakeholders, as well as the quality of medical services, marketing, and the application of digital solutions.

On the second day of the event, an exchange of views will take place on topics such as Azerbaijan's natural healing resources, the properties, historical use, and application areas of Naftalan oil, the development of personalized and experiential services, and the positioning of sanatoriums in the modern tourism market.

At the exhibition organized during the conference, local and international organizations are showcasing products and services in health tourism and related fields. Additionally, as part of the business forum on the second day, B2B meetings will be organized between local service providers and representatives of more than 30 foreign companies to expand business relations and discuss cooperation opportunities. The conference program also includes training sessions aimed at enhancing the professional knowledge and skills of specialists working in the health tourism sector and raising awareness of international service quality standards.