Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/330399 
Year of Publication: 
2025
Publisher: 
ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, Kiel, Hamburg
Abstract: 
This study examines the evolution of Azerbaijan’s tourism sector in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the economic and policy consequences of prolonged land-border closures. Drawing on official statistics, international datasets, and comparative analysis with Georgia and Armenia, the paper investigates trends in inbound tourism, revenue generation, employment, and investment across 2016–2024. The findings reveal that while the sector has demonstrated signs of recovery—particularly through growth in higher-value and diversified visitor segments—Azerbaijan’s performance remains significantly below pre-pandemic levels and lags behind regional peers. The analysis identifies structural inefficiencies, methodological weaknesses in statistical reporting, and policy misalignments that constrain sectoral growth. It concludes that restrictive border and mobility policies are incompatible with Azerbaijan’s stated objectives of tourism-led diversification and sustainable development.
Subjects: 
Azerbaijan
tourism policy
COVID-19 recovery
border closure
non-oil economy
South Caucasus
UNWTO standards
economic diversification
Document Type: 
Preprint

Files in This Item:
File
Size





Items in EconStor are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.