On 4 November 2026, Azerbaijan took an important step in the development of its health tourism sector with the organisation of the 3rd International Health Tourism Conference in Baku, bringing together government representatives from health and tourism, healthcare professionals, tourism stakeholders, international experts, and members of the European spas and health tourism community.
Opening the conference, Fuad Naghiyev, Chairman of the State Tourism Agency, underlined the importance of collaboration between the tourism and healthcare sectors in transforming Azerbaijan’s rich natural and medical resources into internationally trusted health tourism products.
Special appreciation to Minister of Health Dr. Anar Bayramov for his strong commitment to advancing Azerbaijan’s health tourism agenda and fostering closer cooperation between the healthcare and tourism sectors as key drivers of sustainable development and international competitiveness.
European Expertise Meets Azerbaijani Potential
From Local Resource to Global Benchmark: Building a Competitive Health Tourism Offer
Moderated by Csilla Mezősi, Secretary General of the European Spas Association (ESPA), the panel explored how destinations can successfully transform unique natural resources into globally competitive health tourism products.
The discussion brought together four complementary perspectives:
- Science
- Investment
- Media and international perception
- National strategy
The panel featured leading experts including Prof. Müfit Zeki Karagülle, one of Europe’s most respected balneology specialists, Elena Ristavaara, investment and financial expert, António Buscardini, President of the Brussels Press Club and Founder of Travel Tomorrow, and Rovshan Abbasov, representing Azerbaijan’s national perspective on sustainability for the health tourism development.
Drawing on successful examples from European spa destinations, panelists discussed the importance of scientific validation, evidence-based health products, investment readiness, effective international communication and long-term strategic planning.
Leveraging Azerbaijan’s unique natural resources
Particular attention was given to Azerbaijan’s exceptional health tourism assets, including:
- Naftalan therapeutic oil
- Mineral and thermal waters
- Favourable climatic resources
- Traditional in health tourism, organic food and untouched nature
Speakers emphasised that long-term success will depend on transforming these natural advantages into professionally delivered, scientifically validated and internationally recognised health tourism experiences.
The discussion reflected one central message:
“Moving from local uniqueness to global competitiveness.”
European Spas welcomes Azerbaijan’s commitment
As the newest member of the European spa and health tourism community, the Azerbaijan Tourism Board’s active engagement demonstrates a strong commitment to international cooperation and knowledge exchange.
The conference also echoed themes explored recently in Travel Tomorrow’s article, “When does a wellness holiday become medical tourism – and who decides?”, highlighting the growing need for clear quality standards, evidence-based approaches and stronger cooperation between health and tourism stakeholders across Europe and beyond.
The European Spas Association welcomes Azerbaijan’s strategic efforts and looks forward to supporting future cooperation, knowledge transfer and sustainable development within the country’s emerging health tourism sector.
Azerbaijan possesses remarkable resources. The next challenge is to transform these assets into internationally recognised health tourism products capable of competing on the global stage.