Azerbaijan participated in the 12th Conference of Tourism Ministers themed "Development of sustainable tourism industry" within the framework of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Khiva, Uzbekistan between May 31 - June 2, Report informs, citing Azerbaijan’s State Tourism Agency.

A delegation of the agency represented Azerbaijan at the conference.

A meeting of the high officials of the OIC members was held during the conference. The Ministerial Conference was also held on June 2 and the chairmanship was handed over to Uzbekistan.

While speaking at at the conference, Advisor to the Chairman of the State Tourism Agency, Kanan Guluzada, stated that 43% of those who came to Azerbaijan during the first four months of 2024 were citizens of the IOC member states. He also noted the expansion of tourism relations within the framework of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

Guluzada also emphasized that Azerbaijan has vast tourism potential and the state pays special attention to the development of this sector.

The official added that important steps have been taken by the state to restore the tourism potential, including the Islamic heritage, in the liberated territories.

Furthermore, Guluzada informed the conference participants about Azerbaijan's hosting of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in November 2024, and drew attention to the importance of the event in terms of its impact and contribution to tourism, in addition to global discussions on climate change.

During the event, Senegal's Darak for 2025, Egypt's Cairo for 2026, and Pakistan's Lahore for 2027 were selected as Islamic World Tourism Cities.