Azerbaijan’s Formula One Grand Prix takes place at the Baku City Circuit, a 6.003-km street circuit designed by Hermann Tilke in the heart of the country’s capital. Formula 1 first raced in Baku in 2016, when the event was held as the European Grand Prix, before becoming the Azerbaijan Grand Prix the following year.

Until the addition of the Jeddah Corniche Circuit in 2021, Baku was home to the fastest Formula 1 street circuit, mainly because of its long straight sections. It is also the third-longest circuit on the calendar in 2026, after Spa-Francorchamps (7.004 km) and the Las Vegas Strip Circuit (6.201 km).

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A decade of Formula 1 in Baku

The 2026 edition marks 10 years since Formula 1 first arrived in Baku. Over the past decade, the race has developed a reputation for unpredictable action, with the characteristics of the street circuit contributing to several eventful Grands Prix.

Daniel Ricciardo came from 10th on the grid to win a chaotic race in 2017, while Lewis Hamilton took victory in 2018 after Valtteri Bottas suffered a puncture with just three laps remaining. Sergio Perez won an eventful 2021 edition, Oscar Piastri triumphed for McLaren in 2024 and Max Verstappen dominated in 2025, taking pole position, victory and the fastest lap.

Part of the circuit’s appeal comes from the contrast between its different sections. Its 20 corners combine narrow streets around Baku’s UNESCO-listed Old City with a roughly 2.2-km flat-out section along the Caspian Sea waterfront. The passage around the medieval city walls between Turns 8 and 10 is particularly narrow, leaving drivers little margin for error.

At the other extreme, the long run towards Turn 1 allows Formula 1 cars to reach some of the highest speeds seen on a street circuit and creates opportunities for overtaking. Teams therefore face the difficult task of finding a set-up that provides enough downforce for the technical sections without sacrificing too much speed on the straights.

The anniversary will extend beyond the racing itself. The 2026 Grand Prix weekend will include an F1 Fan Zone and live entertainment, with Katy Perry and Calvin Harris scheduled to perform as Baku celebrates a decade of Formula 1.

This year, the Baku Grand Prix is set to take place on Saturday 26 September to avoid coinciding with Azerbaijan’s National Remembrance Day on 27 September. Although it is not yet clear how many people will attend the event, the 2024 edition attracted 76,000 spectators. Of those, 80% were international visitors, who spent more than €2,000 on average over the weekend, while 72% said they intended to return in 2026.

More like Baku Pretty Circuit

Always an incredible backdrop for a Grand Prix!#F1 #AzerbaijanGP @BakuCityCircuit pic.twitter.com/NdV1rXRtRU

— Formula 1 (@F1) September 16, 2025

Visas on arrival

In a bid to make things easier for international visitors and boost attendance, Azerbaijan is granting visas on arrival to both Formula 1 ticket holders and racing personnel. The measure runs until 30 September 2026, four days after the race, encouraging visitors to extend their stay and discover Azerbaijan beyond Baku.

“Formula 1 fans tend to decide late, and a visa issued on arrival against a ticket or accreditation means that spontaneous decision can become a weekend in Baku. That is where the lasting value lies for us: turning a three-day motorsport trip into a week in Azerbaijan, and a first-time visitor into a returning one,” Florian Sengstschmid, chief executive of the Azerbaijan Tourism Board, told Euronews.

To benefit from the special visa-on-arrival measure, applicants need to provide one of the following documents:

• An accreditation card or other document confirming accreditation in accordance with the relevant rules of Formula One Management Limited and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the international organisers of Formula 1 races.
• An accreditation card for Baku City Circuit Operations Company.
• A ticket, including an electronic ticket, or a document confirming the purchase of a ticket for the Formula 1 race to be held in Baku in 2026.

Those who intend to attend the event but do not yet have a ticket can obtain a visa through the electronic ASAN system or through an Azerbaijani embassy or consulate.

Tickets for the Baku Grand Prix are still available and start at €186 for general admission. Beyond the race, visitors can explore Azerbaijan’s capital and its many attractions, including the undying flame of Yanar Dag and the Carpet Museum, as well as destinations elsewhere in the country.

L’article Baku celebrates 10 years of Formula 1 with visas on arrival for fans est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The conference is designed as a strategic platform connecting public institutions with healthcare and wellness providers, travel agencies, wellness and retreat facilitators, medical and wellness tourism operators, international experts, investors, destination management organisations and destination development partners.

Beyond promoting Azerbaijan’s existing offer, the event aims to encourage partnerships between the tourism and healthcare sectors, attract international expertise and investment, and support the development of new medical and wellness tourism products.

The conference comes at a particularly significant moment for the sector. Health tourism has recently been formally incorporated into Azerbaijan’s national tourism priorities under the country’s newly approved State Programme on the Development of Tourism for 2026–2030.

Health tourism enters Azerbaijan’s 2030 strategy

Approved by President Ilham Aliyev, the five-year programme provides a new framework for the development and diversification of Azerbaijan’s tourism industry through the end of the decade.

Health tourism is specifically addressed in the programme, which foresees the preparation of a dedicated strategy and action plan for the sector.

The country also plans to improve regulatory and legal acts governing the accreditation of medical institutions, with a particular focus on medical tourism. At least five facilities providing medical tourism services are expected to participate in international accreditation processes by the end of the programme period.

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Importantly, the organisation of an annual Health Tourism Conference is itself included among the programme’s targets, giving the Baku event a formal role in Azerbaijan’s longer-term tourism development plans.

The wider 2026–2030 programme also envisages creating a tourism product centred on the Great Silk Road, launching eight cultural tourism products and organising four domestic and one international promotional event, including festivals. Restoration of monuments and infrastructure development in state historical and cultural reserves are also planned.

Together, the measures point to a broader effort to diversify Azerbaijan’s tourism economy and develop specialised segments capable of attracting new international markets.

Building an international health tourism platform

The Health Tourism Conference has been developing alongside those ambitions, bringing together stakeholders from Azerbaijan and abroad to examine opportunities across medical and wellness tourism.

The first Health Tourism Conference was held in Shusha in 2024, establishing a platform for discussions around Azerbaijan’s potential in the sector. The initiative has since expanded as the country seeks to develop stronger links between tourism, healthcare and wellness.

Through panel discussions, networking and business meetings, the event seeks to create stronger connections between healthcare institutions, tourism businesses, investors, facilitators and destination developers.

Azerbaijan has a range of natural resources that could support this positioning, including mineral and thermal waters, therapeutic muds and the country’s distinctive Naftalan oil, which has a long history of therapeutic use. These assets are increasingly complemented by spa, wellness, medical and recreation facilities.

The objective is not simply to attract people travelling for medical procedures, but to develop a broader health tourism ecosystem incorporating prevention, rehabilitation, wellness, balneotherapy and nature-based experiences.

Azerbaijan strengthens European health tourism links

As Travel Tomorrow reported from Varna earlier this year, Azerbaijan showcased its growing health tourism ambitions at the HEALTHXCHANGE Summit 2026, organised by the European Spas Association (ESPA).

Representing the Azerbaijan Tourism Board, Deputy Chairman Teymur Suleymanzada presented the country’s health tourism potential to European stakeholders, highlighting its mineral springs, therapeutic muds, favourable climate conditions and expanding network of spa and recreation facilities.

A significant development during the summit was the Azerbaijan Tourism Board joining ESPA as an advisory member, providing a platform for closer cooperation with European destinations and experts on issues such as quality standards, certification and destination management.

The move is particularly relevant as prevention, longevity and wellness become increasingly important elements of European tourism discussions.

Part of Azerbaijan’s wider tourism transformation

The increased focus on health tourism comes against the backdrop of a broader transformation of Azerbaijan’s visitor economy.

This growing focus on health tourism is part of Azerbaijan’s broader efforts to establish itself as a leading tourism destination in the Caucasus, diversifying its international offer across culture, nature, winter sports, gastronomy, wellness and other tourism segments.

The newly approved 2026–2030 tourism programme now provides a framework for taking that diversification further.

Within that context, the Health Tourism Conference in Baku represents more than an industry gathering. Combined with a dedicated national health tourism strategy, plans for international accreditation and growing cooperation with organisations such as ESPA, the annual event is becoming part of Azerbaijan’s efforts to build an internationally competitive medical and wellness tourism sector.

L’article Azerbaijan to host Health Tourism Conference in Baku as sector gains strategic importance  est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Amadeus’s Network Revenue Management system aims to maximise revenue by optimising pricing and inventory decisions, improving capacity control and predicting demand more precisely.

Smarter pricing will be achieved, stakeholders say, thanks to Amadeus’s “Flex Pricer Premium,” technology solution that “drives self-service sales” by grouping fares by seat class, promoting upgrades, dealing with complex booking scenarios, and freeing call centre capacity. Amadeus claims it makes it “easy for price-sensitive customers to find the cheapest prices fast.”

Also, through MetaConnect, the airline will gain access to “new demand channels such as Skyscanner, Kayak and 40+ other providers driving more qualified traffic and better conversion.”

Also part of the deal, Amadeus’s Instant Search function will give speedy responses to unlimited customer queries, through access to a “dynamic, rich and accurate” fare database and a comprehensive calendar view.

It is this last that has raised eyebrows among industry commentators, with some rivals, such as agentic AI firm Eplane AI, questioning whether Amadeus can truly supply the “infinite search” it promises. To achieve Instant Searches in less than a second usually depends on a pre-computed data domain (caching) instead of live querying airline databases for every single click. This means travel consumers can find themselves “ghosted” by “cached” cheap prices that are no longer available when they are clicked on. Amadeus will need to process of three billion daily flight searches, at a high computational cost and with high “token bills” to keep refreshing the massive AI cache.

Despite the doubts, Lenka Klimova, Senior Vice President for EMEA Airlines at Amadeus, said the “integrated approach” would enable the airline to “offer a wider range of fares and travel options to drive upsell opportunities and distribute dynamic and consistent content across channels.” She added that the changes “will also bring qualified traffic back to its direct channels, and deliver fast, flexible, and inspiring search capabilities that improve engagement and conversion.”

Hailing the Amadeus partnership and new digital strategy as “a significant modernization,” Jamil Manizade, Chief Commercial Officer at Azerbaijan Airlines said it was a key step in “enhancing the traveler experience across the region and setting a benchmark for the industry.”

As Azerbaijan undergoes a significant pivot towards travel and tourism, it is pursuing a role as a lynchpin between Asia and Europe. As part of that, Azerbaijan Airlines is set to launch a new non-stop route between Baku and Brussels in spring 2027, in what will be another expansion of its European network after frequencies on its existing tourist network were increased for summer 2026. It has extended its network out of Baku, with more frequent flights to a diverse range of tourist hotspots added to schedules this summer, including Sharm El Sheikh and a seasonal service to Al-Alamein in Egypt; Batumi in neighbouring Georgia; Tivat in Montenegro; and Adana, Antalya, Bodrum, Dalaman, Izmir, and Trabzon in Türkiye.

L’article Azerbaijan Airlines launches major digital transformation partnership with Amadeus est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The national flag carrier will operate four flights a week connecting the Azerbaijani and Belgian capitals on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, starting from 8 May 2027. Ticket sales for the new route are already active via the airline’s digital platforms and accredited agencies, a press release said.

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Intended to bolster business, tourism, and cultural bonds, the Azerbaijani service will provide a route for adventurous tourists to get to know the landscapes, showstopping architecture, ancient wine culture, and innovative health and wellness sector of the formerly Soviet, landlocked South Caucasian country, as well as the chance to experience a sleeper train from Baku to Tbilisi.

As reported by Travel Tomorrow, Azerbaijan has recently been raking in global tourism accolades. It won international acclaim when it took “Best Culinary Destination” at the World Tourism Awards 2025—a year in which Khinalig village was recognised by the UN as one of the world’s Best Tourism Villages thanks to its atmosphere and authentic traditions.

Outbound flyers will benefit meanwhile from a connection to Brussels, which is not only at the heart of the European Union and home to NATO, but also boasts iconic art and cultural institutions, architectural gems from the medieval to Art Nouveau and beyond, 14 Michelin-starred restaurants, and a world-beating Christmas market. It’s a city that also takes visitors onward to other European and worldwide destinations thanks to Brussels Airport’s role as a major aviation hub and the ease of international rail connections out of Belgium.

As Baku continues to pursue a strategy to become a lynchpin between Asia and Europe itself, Azerbaijan Airlines, often known as AZAL, is increasing its own network out of Baku too, with more frequent flights to a diverse range of tourist hotspots added to schedules this summer, including Sharm El Sheikh and a seasonal service to Al-Alamein in Egypt; Batumi in neighbouring Georgia; Tivat in Montenegro; and Adana, Antalya, Bodrum, Dalaman, Izmir, and Trabzon in Türkiye.

Supporting that growth, the carrier’s fleet is welcoming three Airbus A321neos, leased from Irish American aviation firm AerCap, taking it to 28 aircraft, with deliveries planned for up to 22 more, giving it a 50-plane stable by 2032.

L’article Azerbaijan Airlines to launch Brussels route in May 2027 connecting Caucasus to heart of Europe est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The overnight passenger rail journey between the Azerbaijani and Georgian capitals was put on pause in 2020 du to COVID-19 border restrictions. Prior to that, the service was popular and considered “one of the most convenient and affordable ways to travel” between the two cities, reports ANewz.

The service will reportedly be operated aboard new Stadler rolling stock by ADY / Azerbaijan Railways. The initial schedule slates daily departures from Baku at 11:10 pm, with stops at Bilajari, Yevlakh, Ganja, Aghstafa and Boyuk Kasik in Azerbaijan, as well as Gardabani and Tbilisi stations in Georgia, arriving in Tbilisi the following morning at 8:41 am. Departures from Tbilisi are scheduled at 9:00 pm with arrival in Baku at 6:24 am. 

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Improving connectivity and travel links is a major priority for Azerbaijan as it seeks to pivot away from big oil and diversify its economy through tourism. Figures from the State Statistical Committee show a swelling non-oil sector, though fossil fuels still represent a chunk of GDP.

The link is likely to provide a boost to Georgian economy and visitor numbers too, since Georgian destinations continue to rely on Azerbaijan as one of their key tourist source markets. 

Uptake for the train is expected to be high among those rail enthusiasts seeking short breaks, students and those on a budget, and those looking to undertake multi-itinerary travel across the South Caucasus region. “A sleeper train through the Caucasus is exactly the kind of seamless regional connectivity that turns corridors into destinations,” said Florian Sengstschmid, CEO of Azerbaijan Tourism Board. 

While much of the landscape will be in darkness during the trip, passengers can expect to witness places such as the Absheron Peninsula approaching Baku, where greenery cedes to semi-desert landscapes, sculptural oil derricks, and industrial complexes as they approach the outskirts of Baku.

While tickets are already on sale, at the time of writing, according to the Azerbaijan Railways website, tickets to travel in either direction are currently only available to Azerbaijani citizens, and citizens of countries that are eligible for visa-free entry to Azerbaijan.

The announcement was made by the Georgian government during an official state visit to Azerbaijan led by Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze. It came alongside the signing of a historic bilateral protocol to fully implement the newly upgraded Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) railway section, ratified by Georgia’s Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Mariam Kvrivishvili, and Azerbaijan’s Minister of Digital Development and Transport, Rashad Nabiyev.

However, further details on the cross-border train are yet to be confirmed. Schedules have not yet been finalised and some commentators have raised questions about how quickly border procedures and travel visa requirements can be addressed or streamlined, and how reliable the international service will be.

L’article Sleeper train through the Caucasus returns, connecting Baku and Tbilisi est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Known for its distinctive improvisational style and unique fusion of Eastern musical traditions with Western jazz, Azerbaijani jazz covers a broad range of styles, including traditional, post-bop and fusion. It often blends seamlessly with traditional Azeri music.

The best-known form of Azerbaijani jazz is jazz mugham, a sultry combination of Mugham and traditional American jazz.

A Brussels audience this week was treated to a taste of this unique musical heritage during a special concert dedicated entirely to Azerbaijani jazz at Flagey.

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The concert, held on Monday, was organised by the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Belgium and took place at one of Brussels’ most renowned cultural venues, itself known for a rich jazz tradition.

The event featured distinguished Azerbaijani jazz musicians Rain Sultanov, Shahin Novrasli, Nicat Pashazade and Hasan Bilalov, who performed selected works from Azerbaijan’s musical repertoire.

In his opening remarks, Mammad Zulfugarov, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Embassy, described Azerbaijani jazz as “an integral part of the country’s rich musical heritage”.

He stressed the importance of such cultural initiatives in promoting Azerbaijan’s culture and traditions internationally.

Belgian musician, jazz artist and composer Quentin Dujardin praised the Azerbaijani jazz school for its “distinctive style”.

From Soviet prohibition to ethno-jazz

Jazz became hugely popular in Azerbaijan in the 1920s, with pianist Tofig Guliyev and conductor Niyazi creating the country’s first jazz orchestra in the 1930s. However, after the Second World War, the genre was banned across the Soviet Union, forcing many musicians underground.

During this period of prohibition, pianist and composer Vagif Mustafazadeh began incorporating mugham elements into jazz from his apartment in Baku’s old city, creating an entirely new subgenre. Mustafazadeh is today considered the founder of Azerbaijani jazz, also known as jazz mugham. Although he was unable to freely perform his music internationally at the time, his legacy endured and evolved into what is now known as ethno-jazz.

“Just like jazz, mugham is multifaceted, inexhaustible, based on improvisation and possessing different forms. In Baku, a new and already local subgenre of jazz organically and subtly merged into one, wisely and philosophically revealing to us the intricacies of jazz improvisation in mugham stops,” Rain Sultanov wrote about the emergence of ethno-jazz.

A flourishing jazz scene in modern Azerbaijan

Following the end of the Soviet-era prohibition, jazz resurfaced and flourished once again in Azerbaijan.

In 1969, the first jazz festival was held in Baku. Since the 2000s, the country has seen a growing number of jazz and music festivals held annually. The Baku Jazz Centre was also created to support the development of jazz culture in Azerbaijan.

The Baku International Jazz Festival, organised every year since 2005, celebrates jazz music while encouraging and supporting young emerging musicians.

Recalling his participation in the Baku Jazz Festival, Quentin Dujardin also shared positive impressions of Azerbaijan’s vibrant jazz scene, talented musicians and the festival’s high level of organisation.

The concert in Brussels was warmly received by the audience and widely appreciated as a valuable contribution to promoting Azerbaijani musical heritage and jazz culture in Belgium.

The event was attended by diplomats, Belgian and European Union officials, representatives of cultural and artistic circles, members of the music community and representatives of the Azerbaijani diaspora.

Louis Armstrong once famously said: “If you have to ask what jazz is, you’ll never know.” In Azerbaijan, it seems people do not simply listen to jazz, they feel it.

L’article Azerbaijan brings its unique jazz fusion to Brussels est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Held from 11 to 13 May and organised by the European Spas Association (ESPA), the summit brought together government institutions, tourism organisations, medical professionals and international experts to discuss new trends, innovation and cooperation opportunities in the sector. Against this backdrop, the Azerbaijan Tourism Board highlighted the country’s natural healing resources and long-term strategy to develop a competitive health tourism offer.

Showcasing natural resources and spa infrastructure

Representing the Azerbaijan Tourism Board, Deputy Chairman Teymur Suleymanzada took part in panel discussions and bilateral meetings, presenting Azerbaijan’s potential to international stakeholders.

The country’s offer includes a combination of mineral springs, therapeutic muds, favourable climate conditions and a growing network of spa and recreation facilities. These assets are increasingly being positioned as part of a broader strategy to attract visitors seeking prevention, recovery and long-term wellbeing.

Tourism growth supports long-term strategy

This broader strategy is also reflected in Azerbaijan’s tourism performance. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, the country welcomed more than 2.57 million foreign visitors in 2025, representing a 2.1% increase year on year, while international visitor spending reached ₼3.4 billion.

These figures underline the growing attractiveness of Azerbaijan as an international destination and support its ambition to diversify further into health, wellness and medical tourism.

Participation in the summit also allowed Azerbaijan to gain insights into European approaches to health tourism, including quality standards, certification mechanisms and destination management models.

As the sector evolves towards more evidence-based and personalised health experiences, aligning with European benchmarks is seen as a key step in strengthening Azerbaijan’s competitiveness and credibility on the international stage.

Strengthening international cooperation through ESPA

A significant outcome of Azerbaijan’s presence in Varna was its closer engagement with the European Spas Association. During the summit, the Azerbaijan Tourism Board joined the organisation as an advisory member.

The move is expected to facilitate the exchange of expertise, encourage the adoption of advanced practices and open the door to new partnerships with European destinations and stakeholders.

As discussions at the summit highlighted the rising importance of prevention, longevity and sustainable health tourism, Azerbaijan’s participation reflects a broader ambition to integrate into this expanding global market. By combining its natural resources with international standards and partnerships, the country is seeking to position itself not only as a regional player, but as part of a wider European and global health tourism ecosystem.

L’article Azerbaijan showcases health tourism ambitions at HEALTHXCHANGE Summit 2026 in Varna est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Held on 23 April at the prestigious Cercle Royal Gaulois, the exhibition, titled The Colors of Azerbaijan: Land of Multiculturalism, showcases the work of Azerbaijani photographer Etibar Jafarov and offers visitors an insight into the traditions, lifestyles and coexistence of the many communities that make up the country.

“A lived reality”

Opening the evening, Vaqif Sadiqov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to the Kingdom of Belgium said multiculturalism in Azerbaijan is not merely an idea, but an everyday reality.

“Azerbaijan has, for centuries, stood at the crossroads of civilisations,” he told guests. “Our geography has shaped our history, but it is our people who have shaped our identity, an identity built on coexistence, mutual respect, and openness.”

He added that representatives of different religions and ethnic groups continue to live together peacefully across the country, with mosques, churches and synagogues functioning side by side.

“This is a conscious choice, one that reflects our belief that diversity strengthens nations rather than divides them,” he said.

Photography as cultural diplomacy

The ambassador described the exhibition as part of Azerbaijan’s broader efforts to promote understanding through culture and international engagement.

“Through international forums, partnerships and cultural diplomacy, we seek to build bridges of understanding, trust and collaboration,” Sadiqov explained.

The photographs on display capture scenes of daily life, religious heritage, traditional customs and the human stories behind Azerbaijan’s multicultural society. According to organisers, the collection has previously been exhibited in Finland and Spain, including Barcelona.

Guests attending the opening included members of the diplomatic corps, cultural figures and representatives of Brussels’ international community. The evening also featured contributions from Azerbaijani musicians studying in Belgium.

Strengthening ties through culture

The exhibition reflects Azerbaijan’s continued use of cultural initiatives abroad to deepen people-to-people ties with European audiences.

By hosting the event in Brussels, home to the European institutions and one of the world’s most international cities, organisers placed dialogue, diversity, and mutual understanding at the centre of the conversation.

The evening offered visitors an opportunity to discover Azerbaijan’s story through photography, using culture as a universal language that connects communities across borders.

L’article Brussels hosts exhibition celebrating Azerbaijan’s multicultural heritage est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The calls come as new international regulations come into effect in the region, requiring large infrastructure projects such as dams, gas and oil facilities, pipelines, power stations, transport, and water works to be publicly assessed and approved by all affected states.

The Protocol on Environmental Impact Assessment under the Tehran Convention used to be known as the Framework Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea. It contains marine safeguards and sustainable development principles now adopted by  the five Caspian coastal nations – Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Turkmenistan.

But discussing the issues at the UN, Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, said there remain challenges around the governance of the Caspian Sea. Delegates noted the ongoing need for better partnership working, environmental monitoring, data collection, and information exchange, all subject to the fifth protocol of the Protocol, still under negotiation.

It is not the first time Azerbaijan has engaged on the issue. In October 2025, the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, urged Caspian neighbours to cooperate and coordinate measures to halt receding water levels and preserve ecosystems. “The Caspian Sea is facing a number of serious environmental challenges,” he said at the time. “One of the most pressing problems is the shallowing — the rapid decline in the water level — which poses both ecological and economic threats.”

@sophietangtravels The Caspian sea is shrinking, and current models predict it to drop another 9-18 METERS by 2100 if global warming continues #SophieTangTravels #TurkiyeToVietnam #caspiansea #globalwarning ♬ Pieces of Memory – Carlos Carty

The Caspian Sea – the world’s largest landlocked body of water – has suffered a two-metre drop in water level between 1996 and 2023. Experts predict a loss of between five and 18 metres by 2100. The damning and exploitation of the feeder Volga River, combined with reduced rainfall have been held to blame. Other infrastructure projects include Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan’s new trans-Caspian fibre optic cable that aims to strengthen digital ties between Central Asia and the South Caucasus.

Azerbaijan’s green stance meanwhile is being held up as an effort to be seen to spearhead international environmental action in the region and beyond. In President Aliyev’s words, “the Caspian Sea is no longer merely a body of water but has become a symbol of our shared responsibility and the necessity for united action.”

L’article Azerbaijan calls for international action on Caspian Sea crisis est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Previously, tourists and locals wanting to visit the mountain town of Gabala had to rely on buses and cars to do so. However, as Azerbaijan is looking to promote sustainable transport and regional tourism, a regional train service has been installed, linking the ski resort and nature destination of Gabala to Azerbaijan’s second-largest city, Ganja.

Since 12 January 2026, national rail transport operator ADY has started to operate the second regional train service outside of the nation’s capital. The new route covers approximately 139 kilometers and takes 1 hour and 50 minutes to complete. Every day, a train will be leaving Ganja at 10:10 am, returning from Gabala at 6:00 pm. Between Ganja and Gabala, trains stop at Goran, Yevlakh, Laki, and Aghdash.

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For those wanting to travel between Baku and Gabala, a transfer at Laki station has been installed. Travellers are able to embark on the train destined for Gazakh in Baku, which will put them at Laki station at 10:50 am, while the new train for Gabala leaves at 11:12 am. At night, the Gabala–Ganja train stops at Laki station at 6:45 pm, while the connection to Baku leaves at 7:02 pm.

The connection between Ganja and Gabala is assured by Swiss Stadler trains, which are divided into four classes: Standard, Standard+, Business, and First Class. A basic fare ticket costs travellers 4.80 manats (€2.45). Tickets can be purchased at the ticket offices or on the official website of Azerbaijan Railways.

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What to do in Gabala?

Whether visiting during winter, summer, or anything in between, the mountain town of Gabala is well worth a visit when touring the country. During the coldest months of the year, it is the perfect destination for those who want to do some skiing and snowboarding in the Caucasus Mountains.

When the snow is gone, the area offers a range of activities, such as quad-biking, shooting, paragliding, and hiking. The local hotels’ swimming pools and spas are a welcome treat year-round, while the thermal springs and medicinal baths at Yengija or Chenot Palace offer a different kind of wellness experience.

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However, while its natural beauty is what Gabala is best known for, the city also boasts a vibrant cultural agenda. One of its highlights is the Gabala International Music Festival, held every summer from late July to early August. The event offers a compelling reason to visit, combining classical music performances with the chance to explore the region’s cultural heritage, all while making the most of Gabala’s seasonal outdoor activities and mountain setting.

L’article Azerbaijan opens new train service between historic Ganja and Gabala ski resort est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.