Azerbaijan woos UAE nationals

UAE passport holders can now benefit from visa on arrival when travelling to Azerbaijan, according to an announcement made last month.

TTN speaks to Rashid Al Noori, the chairman of Atlantis Holidays, for more.

'Undoubtedly, this will facilitate an excellent traffic flow by all categories of UAE Nationals to visit Azerbaijan now. We are pleased to advise all UAE Nationals that we have various exclusive packages designed to meet their requirements when they plan to visit Azerbaijan,' he says.

The GCC representative office of the Ministry of Culture of Tourism of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Atlantis Holidays offers special all-inclusive packages starting from as low as Dh1,500 ($408) per person per night, to encourage UAE Nationals to explore the country.

The Republic of Azerbaijan announced online visa applications in the last quarter of 2014, making it easier for visitors from around the world to reach the ‘Gem of the Caucasus’, which is located at crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. The online visa process (www.OurAzerbaijan.com) takes between 2 to 14 working days, based on normal to urgent requirements.

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Atlantis Holidays chairman Rashid Al Noori says, 'Azerbaijan is located only two and a half hours away by flight from the GCC, making it one of the most attractive destinations for the region’s nationals and residents to enjoy a superb climate, shopping and sightseeing. From Dubai, Azerbaijan national carrier AZAL flies daily to Baku, while Fly Dubai also connects visitors from the UAE and Qatar Airways from Doha.

'It is worth mentioning that if you visit Azerbaijan once, you will have no choice but to go back and explore more as the place for sure will make you fall in love with its beauty.'

Traditionally and historically, the main market sectors for tourism in Azerbaijan have been the neighbouring Turkey and CIS countries, the chairman explains. Having been part of the ancient Silk Road, Azerbaijan also attracts visitors from the Far East and Western Europe.

'But the Middle East and, especially the Gulf countries, are important for the business and the tourism market, which explains why the first representation office of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Azerbaijan was opened in Dubai to promote Azerbaijan as a destination here.'

Statistics suggest that since the representative office opened in Dubai back in 2011, the number of tourists from the GCC alone increased by 73 per cent.

DIVERSE PORTFOLIO

Visitors to Azerbaijan can look forward to a diversified holiday. From hunting and fishing and a road trip across the Caucasus region, visitors can experience the old silk way route or go for medicinal spa treatments or gastronomy tours. Azerbaijan is also a short week-end shopping break for some clients, he says.

'Azerbaijan has increased its tourism offering in capital Baku and other tourist areas: the countryside offers a vast range of activities that include skiing, hiking, horse riding and sightseeing in the most luxurious outfits,' says Al Noori.

In the capital, visitors prefer to shop from boutiques on Nizami Street, explore the Unesco World Heritage Old City in Baku, visit the Maiden Tower, walk on Baku Boulevard and admire the architectural wonder Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre. The Gobustan Rock Art, Azerbaijan Carpet Museum and the Miniature Museum, are also on most itineraries.

POPULAR PACKAGES

The popular City Break package includes round-trip air tickets with visa, accommodation in Baku in a five-star property (with breakfast), meet and greet assistance at the airport and round-trip private airport transfers.

For some wintry fun, the Shahdag Ski Resort package similarly includes round-trip air tickets with visa, accommodation in Shahdag in a five-star property (with breakfast), meet and greet assistance at the airport, round-trip private airport transfers and round-trip private transfers to Shahdag as well.

'It’s very important to mention Azerbaijan’s gastronomy, which typically consists of a variety of meat, fish and vegetable dishes supplemented by flavoured herbs and spices,' says Al Noori. 'It is always a pleasure for a tourist to dine at local restaurants and be amazed by the quality of food and freshness of the seasonal local produce. The Gastronomy package is prepared based on the visitor’s interest. We would recommend a four nights, five days package for the same.'

With the Luxury Spa package, customers can experience the benefits of bathing in Naftalan oil. The practice goes as far back as the sixth century, and claims to cure up to 70 ailments. 'There are many hammam centres in the country from ancient times. It is a rejuvenating activity and a must-try for your next trip to Azerbaijan,' recommends the chairman. 

By Rashi Sen