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usiness events 

planners guide

salam 

hello 

Content 

Salam1 

Look at Azerbaijan 4 

World map 6 

Business events infrastructure 8 

Venues10 

Special venues 14 

Hotels & meetings in Baku 18 

Hotels & meetings beyond Baku 26 

Map of Azerbaijan 32 

Azerbaijan is a country of unique nature, unmatched 

culture, and centuries of customs, traditions and 

cuisine; a place that will not fail to meet even the 

highest expectations of the most sophisticated guest 

while upholding its hospitable and friendly Caucasian 

roots. Here eastern colours combine magnificently 

with western progress. 

Beyond business 34 

Plan your trip 42 

About us 44 

1

Historically situated on the 

Great Silk Road, straddling 

various geopolitical, economic 

and cultural landscapes of its 

surrounding nations, Azerbaijan 

has long intrigued the world’s 

greatest minds: scientists, 

travellers and historians alike. 

Nestled amongst the Caucasus 

Mountains, Azerbaijan may not 

be a large country, but it is one 

of great ambition, diverse culture 

and dazzling venues. This is a 

contemporary nation crisscrossed 

by history: the combination of 

cultural heritage, welcoming spirit, 

and modern city life will be sure to 

leave a lasting impression. 

Being a modern and progressive 

country, Azerbaijan has much 

to offer those in search of the 

perfect event location and an 

exceptional experience to go 

with it. Firm in its own identity, 

yet open to a wide range of 

global influences, the nation is 

rapidly transforming into a prime 

international business events 

destination. So, allow us to 

divulge our secrets! And prepare 

to be pleasantly surprised by all 

that Azerbaijan has to offer. 

2 

3

LOOK AT AZERBAIJAN 

wholehearted hospitality 

multicultural modernity 

Hospitality 

Azerbaijan is world-famous for 

the warm hospitality of its people; 

there is a saying that “the guest is 

the flower of the house.” Certainly, 

treating one’s guests with respect 

is a tradition that has been passed 

down for centuries and is still taken 

very seriously today. Our naturally 

hospitable manner blends naturally 

with high standards of service, 

spanning from convention venues 

to hotels and accommodation. 

Even in the alleyways of Baku’s Old 

City to Gabala in the foothills of the 

Caucasus Mountains, visitors are 

guaranteed a heartwarming smile 

and a memorable welcome. 

Safety 

Business delegates can rest 

assured that while they are visiting 

Azerbaijan, they are in safe hands. 

The country is one of the safest 

tourist destinations in the world, 

praised for its low level of petty 

crime, allowing delegates to easily 

explore, discover and enjoy their 

surroundings with minimal concerns 

for their security. The Local Host 

Committee is fully aware that 

delegates’ safety and security are 

crucial elements of any international 

event and will ensure that the 

highest level of coordination is 

provided as such. 

Infrastructure and modernity 

As Azerbaijan’s economy diversifies, 

the country has been enthusiastically 

positioning itself to host major 

sporting and cultural events and 

become the prime regional hub for 

business meetings and conventions. 

As a result, Azerbaijan now has a 

fabulous portfolio of new, stateof-the-art 

hotels, restaurants and 

venues, some of which are among 

the country’s most remarkable 21 st 

century architectural masterpieces. 

The most notable are the capital’s 

iconic Flame Towers, the brand-new 

Baku Convention Centre and the 

fabulous Heydar Aliyev Centre — all 

of which can provide the ideal space 

for large-scale conventions and 

trade events, as well as smaller, more 

exclusive meetings and conferences. 

Cost-efficiency 

Azerbaijan is among the most costeffective 

countries in the world. For 

example, an average stay in Baku 

costs noticeably less than in any 

other European metropolis. The very 

competitive rates for top quality 

services provided at beautiful, 

ultramodern hotels will definitely add 

value to any business event. 

Cultural diversity 

It’s not difficult to feel the warmth 

and humanity of Azerbaijani culture. 

Into Baku alone flow Turkic, Persian 

and Russian influences, helping to 

form a proudly distinct locale dotted 

with art galleries, theatres and music 

venues. Elsewhere in the country, 

a love for literature shines through 

the many streets named after local 

writers while native communities with 

their own languages and customs 

populate charming villages in 

Azerbaijan’s beautiful countryside. 

Delegates are invited to taste local 

wine in medieval caravanserais, sip 

fragrant Lankaran tea in traditional 

teahouses, or be mesmerised by 

the soothing sounds of the national 

music genre — ‘mugham.’ 

Culinary creativity 

Azerbaijan has a deliciously wide 

variety of foods to offer throughout 

the country. From European to 

Asian fusion to Azerbaijan’s own 

rich and refined traditional cuisine, 

the country will not only tantalise its 

visitors’ palates, but their cameras 

too. Delightful restaurants range 

from impressive minimalist works of 

21 st century art to teahouses and 

caravanserais of the 19 th century and 

beyond. 

4 

5

WORLD MAP 

4 hrs 

Moscow 

4 hrs 

Minsk 

3 hrs 

Yekaterinburg 

Krasnoyarsk 

London 

Frankfurt 

2 hrs 

Paris 

Vienna 

Kiev 

Nur-Sultan 

1 hr 

Madrid 

Barcelona 

Rome 

Istanbul 

Ankara 

Tbilisi 

Baku 

Aktau 

Tashkent 

Almaty 

5 hrs 

8 hr 

Tehran 

Beijing 

Tel Aviv 

Cairo 

New Delhi 

Accessibility 

Baku enjoys all the mystique of being an ancient 

Silk Road port but can just as easily serve as a wellorganised 

modern transport hub that dominates the 

eastern Caucasus region. With great transport links 

to the rest of the world, over 20 operating airlines and 

more than 50 direct flights to various destinations 

across the globe, Azerbaijan’s capital city can always 

stay connected. 

Azerbaijan’s vision of developing excellent domestic 

and international transport infrastructure is epitomised 

at Heydar Aliyev International Airport. This aesthetic 

delight of great architectural ingenuity has even 

been recognised as the best airport in the CIS for 

both facilities and service. From here, new multilane 

highways mean that you can reach the city by car in 

barely 25 minutes. 

Riyadh 

Air links are especially frequent to European, Turkish, 

CIS and Middle-Eastern destinations, with some direct 

flights to as far as New York and Beijing. Beyond 

the capital, there are also airports in Nakhchivan, 

Zagatala, Lankaran, Ganja and Gabala with numerous 

airlines operating on a daily basis. 

Doha 

DubaiBy plane 

Azerbaijan is well connected 

with the world thanks to its welldeveloped 

six international 

airports. Baku’s main gateway, 

Heydar Aliyev International Airport, 

is situated just 25 km from the city 

centre, and is served by major 

airlines including Azerbaijan Airlines 

(AZAL), Aeroflot, Turkish Airlines, 

Lufthansa and Qatar Airways, 

Emirates, Fly Dubai, among many 

others. 

By train 

Direct links are available to a 

number of destinations within the 

CIS. Overnight trains are available 

from Russia, Georgia and Ukraine 

on a regular basis, while there is a 

less regular train from the Belarussian 

city of Brest that calls at Minsk. 

The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway perfectly 

connects Azerbaijan and 

Georgia to Turkish and European 

railway networks. Passenger 

services on this route are to be 

launched soon. 

By car 

Azerbaijan’s transport infrastructure 

has enjoyed massive investment 

in recent years. The country 

is connected to Russia, Iran and 

Georgia while the Nakhchivan 

exclave has direct road links to 

Turkey and regular bus services all 

the way to Istanbul. The ‘northern 

route’ from Baku to Tbilisi can also 

offer an easy and very picturesque 

journey between the Azerbaijani 

and Georgian capitals via the historic 

cities of Shamakhi and Sheki. 

6 7

BUSINESS EVENTS INFRASTRUCTURE 

world-class amenities 

dazzling venues 

Welcome to the heart of 

Eurasia! 

Imagine a city that houses 

ambitious 21 st –century 

architecture, century-old 

European elegance and a 

UNESCO-listed medieval Old 

City all within an ancient fortified 

wall. This is Baku: one of the best 

locations for meetings and events 

that you may never have even 

heard of. Over the last decade, 

Azerbaijan’s beautiful capital has 

been steadily building indepth 

its experience of planning and 

hosting international trade fairs, 

conferences and mega-events 

from Eurovision to the Formula 1 

Grand Prix. The city’s range of 

state-of-the-art meeting facilities 

has grown into a remarkable 

portfolio that includes several 

unforgettable masterpieces. 

Add impeccable international 

hotels, suave restaurants and a 

remarkable ambience of heartfelt 

hospitality and you’ll be hard 

pressed to beat Azerbaijan — an 

inspiring, professional, yet good 

value business events destination. 

8 

9

VENUES 

setups and seating 

capacities 

VENUES 

Baku Convention Centre 

purpose-built perfection 

TS BS CS 

Baku Expo Centre 5000 4500 7000 

Baku Convention Centre 3500 940 800 

VENUES 

Heydar Aliyev Palace 2150 - 2000 

Heydar Aliyev Congress Hall in Gabala 1200 300 300 

Heydar Aliyev Centre 1000 700 1000 

Baku Business Centre 180 - - 

Baku Crystal Hall 25000 - - 

Elite Events Hall 2200 1000 1300 

Buta Palace 2000 1000 1500 

SPECIAL 

VENUES 

Boyuk Saray 1500 1200 2000 

Elektra Events Hall 800 420 1000 

Ateshgah 400 300 200 

Stone Chronicle Museum 400 150 400 

Yanardag 400 60 100 

International Mugham Centre 350 80 130 

Carpet Museum 200 100 350 

Villa Petroleum 100 100 350 

Marionette Theatre 49 30 50 

Gazelli Art House - 100 230 

Museum of Modern Art - - 250 

Baku’s very special, purpose-built convention centre 

is a multifunctional building with flexible rooms and 

spacious public areas covered by an uninterrupted, 

elegantly curved shell. The impressive, open-plan space 

offers unobstructed views across to Baku’s greatest 

architectural masterpiece: the Heydar Aliyev Centre. 

At its heart lies the auditorium, suitable for up to 3,500 

visitors, flanked by 15 conference rooms and spacious 

networking areas. A VIP room on the second floor can 

also accommodate up to 200 guests. 

Well connected 

10 minutes to the city centre 

25 minutes (23 km) to the international airport 

Unbeatable flexibility 

3,065 m 2 multifunctional auditorium with 3,500 seats, 

15 break-out rooms, 1,000 m 2 of networking space. 

Excellent digital infrastructure 

Wi-Fi, 405 m 2 LED monitor. 

Large in-house inventory 

Light and sound equipment. 

TS — theatre style BS — banquet style CS — cocktail style 

Dedicated team 

From planning and communications to execution, the 

Baku Convention Centre team will support you with 

experience and ideas. 

10 11

VENUES 

VENUES 

Baku Expo Centre 

Spacious venue of international standards only 

a short drive from the airport 

Heydar Aliyev Centre 

The curvy centrepiece of Baku’s 

21 st- century skyline 

This spacious multipurpose events 

complex is designed to host everything 

from industry exhibitions to conferences, 

seminars to product demonstrations. 

The complex has a total area of over 

20,000 m 2 shared across three wellequipped 

pavilions. Among its facilities 

are conference halls, meeting rooms, a 

business centre and food court. It is within 

just a few kilometres’ drive of the airport 

and a 20-minute drive from Baku city 

centre, with a car park capacity of over 

500 cars. 

World-famous architect Zaha Hadid 

designed the crown jewel of Baku’s 

architecture. It flows seamlessly from 

the plaza around it, joining the exterior 

and the interior to represent the 

inclusion of all in a place of shared 

ideas. Business representatives and 

congress-goers get to see the best 

of all: the stunning auditorium and a 

series of meeting spaces that are sure 

to impress even the most cynical. The 

maximum capacity of meeting facilities 

is up to 1,000 people. 

Heydar Aliyev Palace 

The perfect choice for large-scale theatrical events 

Entirely refurbished in 2008, this large concert 

hall was constructed in 1972 and has since 

hosted many big-name concerts. Over 2,000 

guests can be seated in 30 rows, all facing a 

stage that is equipped with laser visual effects, 

advanced LED screens, a piano and two VIP 

dressing rooms. There are cloakrooms, vaulted 

stairways, a welcoming foyer and glistening 

marble floors. The venue is excellently placed 

in the central Winter Park, within walking 

distance of all the top hotels. 

Heydar Aliyev Congress Hall in Gabala 

The ideal place for business to meet recreation 

Baku Business Centre 

Seaside location with the latest appliances 

Set beneath the Caucasus 

Mountains and surrounded 

by lush forest 4 km from the 

centre of Gabala in northern 

Azerbaijan, the Heydar Aliyev 

Congress Hall is truly a unique 

location for business events 

for up to 1,200 people. The 

gilded interior is equipped 

with the latest technology and 

houses the best chefs and 

service professionals. The hall 

can accommodate about 

300 persons in cocktail and 

banquet set ups. 

The Baku Business Centre’s 

main attraction is its seaside 

location, situated on the Baku 

Boulevard close to all the city’s 

best hotels, restaurants and 

cultural attractions. Its 4,664 m 2 

area is fully equipped to host 

business forums, presentations 

and conferences. On the 

ground floor is a showroom 

suitable for 350 seated guests, 

with three conference rooms 

on the second floor and a 

restaurant overlooking the 

Caspian suitable for 300 

seated visitors. 

12 

13

SPECIAL VENUES 


Baku Crystal Hall 

Sports-hall sized arena with extra flair 

Boyuk Saray 

For a full-on festival of gilded glitz 

If you’re expecting stadium-size crowds but want 

an indoor arena, then be sure to consider the 

Crystal Hall. Built to host the 2012 Eurovision Song 

Contest finals, the multi-purpose sports and 

concert arena can hold up to 27,000 spectators. Its 

name comes from the diamond-faceted exterior, 

inlaid with arrays of dynamic LED lights for an extra 

special light show in the evenings. 

The corridor around the arena’s perimeter is 

divided into two, with 15 entrances on each side, 

two transportation access points and several 

booths to supply food and refreshments. 

Elektra Events Hall 

Modern, hip and technically top of the range 

Beyond the walls of its classical white façade, Boyuk 

Saray has a vast chandelier-lit interior that feels like a 

21 st -century Versailles. While this venue is best known 

for its top celebrity weddings, it is versatile enough to 

be transformed to host concerts, fashion shows, and 

conferences for up to 2,000 guests. The complex is 

situated in the Neftchiler suburb, 8 km east of the city 

centre. 

Elite Events Hall 

Handy for horses, great for groups 

What sets the Elite Events Hall apart 

from its competitors is its location at 

a large equestrian centre, designed 

for horse racing and riding lessons. A 

number of high-profile events have 

been hosted here, including the Mr 

and Miss Azerbaijan beauty contests. 

While the large ballroom-style hall 

can accommodate approximately 

1,500 people, separate meeting rooms 

can seat 30, 50 or 150 people. Less 

than 10 minutes’ drive east of Baku’s 

international airport and 30 minutes 

from the city centre, the Elite Events Hall 

is also very conveniently located. 

While the Elektra Events Hall is Baku’s 

top venue for professional live music 

of various genres, it is flexible enough 

to host events of all kinds: from 

bodybuilding to stand-up comedy 

to DJ contests. If you’re looking for a 

concert-style venue with excellent 

acoustics and top-of-the-range 

audiovisual technology for about 600 

people, then this may be your best fit. 

Ateshgah & Yanardag 

Discover Azerbaijan’s fire-worshipping legacy 

Experiencing Azerbaijan’s ancient 

history would be a great addition 

to any successful event in Baku. 

Both the Ateshgah reserve, with 

its fire temple, and the Yanardag 

reserve, where eternal flames have 

burned naturally for centuries, 

are within a 30-minute drive of 

the city centre and allow you to 

discover how Baku became a hub 

for Zoroastrian and Hindu fireworshippers. 

Both are ready to 

host outdoor parties and events 

which a local events management 

team can help to organize. 

Buta Palace 

Providing major events with modern facilities and a touch of traditional style 

The Stone Chronicle Museum 

A journey through time 

Not far from Baku’s international 

airport and 20 minutes’ drive 

from the city centre, the Buta 

Palace is a venue that combines 

contemporary banqueting 

facilities with traditional 

Azerbaijani design: the Buta 

itself is a national symbol of 

our Land of Fire. The dividable 

main hall is styled like an 

ancient caravanserai, capable 

of accommodating up to 2,000 

visitors, while the smaller hall of 

650 m 2 can seat up to 400. 

This unusual museum celebrates 

the prehistoric stone carvings found 

in Gobustan and Gala, medieval 

gravestones and handmade 

sculptures by Huseyn Hagvas, 

presenting its visitors with a short 

journey through the history of 

Azerbaijani art. What’s more, all of 

this is presented under the roof of 

an old power station, built in 1901 

by the Siemens brothers to supply 

energy to the newly developed oil 

fields. This quirky setting, located 

close to the Caspian just south of 

the Old City, offers meeting facilities 

for up to 200 people. 

14 

15



The International Mugham Centre 

A piece of architectural wizardry 

Azerbaijan’s mugham music is recognised by 

UNESCO as part of humanity’s cultural heritage. 

Baku’s International Mugham Centre was built 

as a place to perform, promote, preserve and 

popularise this musical genre. But that’s not to say 

that this mid-sized theatre isn’t also an ideal venue 

for a range of other activities! The centre can offer 

seating for up to 350 people facing a small stage 

and an elegant in-house restaurant. Designed in 

the form of two traditional ‘tar’ instruments, this 

stylish, modern building is centrally located on the 

Baku Boulevard. 

Marionette Theatre 

Loveable secret mini-theatre in the heart 

of the Old City 

Little-known even to Baku’s natives, this 

delightful little venue is hidden away 

in a recently restored neoclassical 

stone building right in the heart of the 

UNESCO-listed Old City. Built in the 

1880s, primarily for puppet shows, the 

2016 restoration has created a small 

stage with comfortable rowed seating 

for up to 60 people, with plenty of extra 

space for drinks receptions. 

Carpet Museum 

The remarkable rug-shaped home of Azerbaijani carpet weaving 

The Azerbaijani carpet is a key centrepiece in 

our national culture, and only an innovative 

rug-shaped architectural wonder could do it 

justice. Situated on the Baku Boulevard, the 

carpet museum houses the largest collection of 

Azerbaijani carpets in the world; 6,000 of them 

bring to life the past, patterns and philosophies 

of our carpet weaving traditions. The museum’s 

600 m 2 lobby is good for receptions, while 

conference rooms on the first and third floors can 

host up to 70 and 46 seated visitors respectively. 

The fully equipped exhibitions hall is decorated 

with traditional carpets from all of the seven 

schools of Azerbaijani carpet weaving. 

Gazelli Art House 

A chic setting ideal for more intimate gatherings 

Located between the central and business districts, this 

stylish European style gallery, which also has an exhibition 

space in London, hosts local and international artists that 

express themselves in diverse formats: from painting and 

photography to graphics and installations. With its Dover 

Street branch bringing cutting-edge exhibitions to London, 

Gazelli is one of Azerbaijan’s most internationally minded 

private galleries for modern and contemporary art. With 

white, art-decked walls and professionally savvy staff, the 

gallery can handle up to 100 people. There is all necessary 

equipment for lectures and seminars. 

Museum of Modern Art 

Open and spacious home of Azerbaijani avantgarde 

Villa Petrolea 

An exclusive setting with an intriguing history 

Well over a century ago, long 

before the Nobel Prizes were 

founded, the Nobel brothers 

played a key role in Baku’s first 

oil boom. The mansion that 

they built for themselves in 1884 

has been preserved, restored 

and turned into a fascinating 

museum. Upstairs, in the style of 

a London gentleman’s club, is 

a remarkable, highly exclusive 

conference venue decked 

with priceless masterpieces 

of Azerbaijani art. The seating 

can be arranged rectangularly 

for a hundred guests, with two 

booths for interpreters, and an 

integrated projection screen. 

Baku’s Museum of Modern Art, conveniently located close 

to the city’s business hub, has a collection of over 800 

pieces, most of which are avant-garde nature and the 

work of Azerbaijan’s brightest painters and sculptors of the 

last 70 years. The open and spacious museum also has 

a children’s art room, library, video room, restaurant and 

art café. Within a building by architect Jean Nouvel, the 

fascinating interior was designed by Altay Sadikhzadeh 

whose humorously surreal work forms a core component 

of the collection. For informal meetings or cocktail 

events of up to 250 delegates, the museum makes for an 

original and thought-provoking setting. And the location 

is very accessible, just east of the Port Baku business 

development. 

16 

17

HOTELS & MEETINGS IN BAKU 


capacities 


TS BS CS 

Boulevard Hotel Baku, Autograph Collection 1300 700 900 

Boulevard Hotel Baku, 

Autograph Collection 

Fairmont Baku, Flame Towers 1000 600 600 

JW Marriott Absheron Baku 1000 600 1000 

Hilton Baku Hotel 720 320 500 

Bilgah Beach Hotel 600 350 800 

Pullman Baku 525 350 480 

With size, space and so much seaside, 

this hotel prides itself on being the largest 

conference hotel in the country and is well 

capable of hosting a wide range of events. 

23 km from Baku airport 

818 guest rooms 

6 meeting rooms 

1 ballroom 

boulevardhotelbaku.com 

Four Seasons Hotel Baku 500 297 500 

Hyatt Regency Baku 400 330 600 

Excelsior Hotel & Spa Baku 250 150 400 

Sheraton Baku Airport 220 180 270 

Ramada Hotel Baku 150 230 230 

Intourist Hotel Baku, Autograph Collection 50 100 50 

Dinamo Hotel Baku 30 80 100 

Fairmont Baku, 

Flame Towers 

A stunning hotel situated in the iconic 

Flame Towers with chic bistros and 

relaxation options, plus plenty of space 

for all types of functions. 




2 ballrooms 

fairmont.com/baku 

Park Inn by Radisson Baku Hotel 350 150 350 

Holiday Inn Baku 320 200 350 

Burj Sahil Hotel 146 - - 

JW Marriott Absheron 

Baku 

Qafqaz Baku City Hotel 85 - - 

Winter Park Hotel Baku 70 60 - 

Close to the Boulevard and business 

district with cutting-edge conference 

technology, catering services and 

sophisticated venues. 

TS — theatre style BS — banquet style CS — cocktail style 




1 ballroom 

marriott.com 

18 19



Hilton Baku Hotel 

Conveniently located between the 

business district, Baku’s best attractions 

and nightlife, the Hilton is also well 

equipped to host business events. 

Four Seasons Hotel 

Baku 

A beautiful Beaux Arts-style building just 

steps away from the Old City’s medieval 

walls with an ornate ballroom evoking 

classical 18 th -century France. 




1 ballroom 

hilton.com 




2 ballrooms 

fourseasons.com 

Bilgah Beach Hotel 

Hyatt Regency Baku 

This dramatic waterfront setting creates 

an incomparable location for meetings 

and events by the golden sands of the 

Absheron coast. 

From modern events spaces and meeting 

rooms to state-of-the-art catering 

facilities, the Hyatt Regency Baku is one 

of Azerbaijan’s premier conference hotels. 




14 villas 

2 ballrooms 

bilgahbeachhotel.com 




2 ballrooms 

hyatt.com 

Pullman Baku 

Together with a full range of conference 

and banqueting facilities, this is the only 

hotel in Baku with its own aqua park. 

Excelsior Hotel & 

Spa Baku 

Glamourous location near the Heydar 

Aliyev Centre offering four elegant private 

meeting rooms fit for all types of events. 




1 ballroom 

gilanholding.com/tourism 




1 ballroom 

excelsior.az 

20 21



Sheraton Baku Airport 

Dinamo Hotel Baku 

Offering an excellent range of facilities 

for business and leisure travellers at the 

airport, the Sheraton Baku Airport allows 

rest and recuperation as soon as you 

step off the plane. 

The iconic Dinamo Hotel is one of 

Baku’s best examples of architectural 

constructivism, ideal for intimate meetings 

and well catered to with a range of 

professional services. 




sheraton.marriott.com 



1 meeting room 

dinamohotelbaku.com 

Ramada Hotel Baku 

A luxury seaside hotel close to the city 

centre with first-class conference facilities 

for those eager to combine business with 

downtime on the beach. 

Park Inn by Radisson 

Baku Hotel 

The Park Inn welcomes all types of 

meetings and events and offers reliable 

service in the heart of the city. 

17.1 km from Baku airport 



ramadabaku.com 




1 ballroom 

parkinn.com 

Intourist Hotel Baku, 


Stylish venue with a fully-equipped 

meeting room overlooking the Caspian 

waterfront, the Intourist is a remodelled 

version of a 1930s classic. 

Holiday Inn Baku 

A towering hotel with easy access to 

Port Baku Mall and the business district 

offering business travellers plenty of 

flexible meeting space. 




intouristhotelbaku.com 




1 ballroom 

ihg.com/holidayinn 

22 23


HOTELS & MEETING IN BAKU 

Burj Sahil Hotel 

A large, modern business hotel that’s 

excellent value for money with rooms and 

restaurants providing fantastic views of the 

Baku Boulevard and Baku White City. 




qafqazhotels.com 

Qafqaz Baku City 

Hotel 

Harmoniously merging national and 

international styles, the huge Qafqaz City 

Hotel Baku has excellent conference halls 

in the heart of the business and commercial 

district. 





Winter Park Hotel 

Baku 

Great social and business facilities with 

easy access to the city and business 

centres, this hotel aims to reflect Baku’s 

ancient traditions of hospitality 

and culture. 




winterparkhotelbaku.com 

Flame Towers 

24 25

HOTELS & MEETINGS BEYOND BAKU 


capacities 


TS BS CS 

Gabala Qafqaz Resort Hotel 500 250 - 

Gabala Qafqaz Sport Hotel 200 70 - 

Gabala Qafqaz Riverside Hotel 150 90 - 

Gakh El Resort 700 540 600 

Ganja Ramada Plaza 200 176 200 

Guba Quba Palace Hotel 1000 600 200 

Gusar Pik Palace, Autograph Collection 300 320 300 

Gusar Park Chalet, Autograph Collection 300 160 300 

Gusar Shahdag Hotel & Spa 180 150 210 

Shabran Qalaalti Hotel & Spa 180 120 150 

Shamakhi Shamakhi Palace Sharadil 400 350 - 

Qafqaz Resort Hotel 

Nestled beneath an emerald green forest in 

the foothills of the snow-covered Caucasus 

Mountains, the Qafqaz Resort Hotel is a great 

spot for combining business with pleasure. 

5 km from the centre of Gabala city 

9.6 km from Gabala International Airport 



20 villas 



Qafqaz Sport Hotel 

A luxurious hotel near Gabala city centre 

offering a range of room types, cottages 

and two large conference halls near the 

magnificent Caucasus Mountains. 

Sheki Marxal Resort & Spa 400 350 350 

Gabala Qafqaz Karvansaray Hotel Gabala 100 40 - 

Gabala Qafqaz Thermal & Spa Hotel Gabala 72 - - 

Gusar Zirve Hotel 120 - - 


25 km from Gabala International Airport 



21 cottages 



Qafqaz Riverside Hotel 

Situated amid stunning scenery next to the 

Damiraparan River, this hotel blends a luxurious 

interior with maximum comfort and marvellous 

nature. 

TS - theatre style BS - banquet style CS - cocktail style 





38 villas 



26 27



EL Resort Hotel 

The first 5-star hotel in the Gakh region with 

a magnificent countryside setting home 

to diverse flora and fauna, historical ruins, 

mountain rivers and mineral springs. 

4.8 km from the centre of Gakh 

40 km from Zagatala International Airport 




1 ballrooms 

elresort.az 

Pik Palace, 


Set in the glorious Caucasus Mountains with 

world-class skiing options and events venues 

catering for everything from boardroom-style 

gatherings to conventions for hundreds. 

29.8 km from the centre of Gusar city 



1 ballrooms 

pikpalaceshahdag.com 

Ramada Plaza 

Modern, functional and not far from 

Azerbaijan’s second city of Ganja with a 

range of business services and function 

rooms. 

6 km from the centre of Ganja 

3.6 km from Ganja International Airport 




ramadaplazagence.com 

Park Chalet, 


Merging a rustic atmosphere with luxury 

design, breathtaking views and superb 

meeting facilities. 





parkchaletshahdag.com 

Quba Palace Hotel 

Shahdag Hotel & Spa 

Along with excellent facilities for business 

meetings, Quba Palace Hotel caters also for 

luxury holidays as a golf course, a spa and 

wellness centre and heliport. 

7 km from the centre of Guba city 



26 villas 

1 ballroom 


qubapalace.com 

Spacious, contemporary and elegant, 

Azerbaijan’s first contemporary mountain lodge 

offers refined luxury and top-notch hospitality. 





shahdag.az 

28 29



Qalaalti Hotel & Spa 

A vast resort in the Great Caucasus combining 

5-star luxury with splendid business meetings 

opportunities and a comprehensive spa and 

health clinic. 

46.2 km from the centre of Shabran city 



6 villas 


galaalti.az 

Qafqaz Karvansaray 

Hotel Gabala 

With an interior inspired by an ancient Silk 

Road caravanserai, this boutique hotel in 

Gabala is a tranquil escape with a classy 

conference room. 







Shamakhi Palace 

Sharadil 

Qafqaz Thermal & Spa 

Hotel Gabala 

Perched on the slopes of the Caucasus 

Mountains in the Shamakhi region, Shamakhi 

Palace Sharadil is a blissful escape in the 

heart of Azerbaijan. 

19 km from the centre of Shamakhi 




1 ballroom 

shamakhipalace.business.site 

Surrounded by the outstanding natural beauty 

of Gabala’s Yengija Forest near a therapeutic 

water source that’s been used by locals since 

ancient times. 







Marxal Resort & Spa 

Zirve Hotel 

One of the top luxury hotels in the country 

that also maintains a very homely feel and is 

surrounded by lush mountain forest. 

Located next to the ski lifts, Zirve Hotel 

Shahdag combines superb skiing and fitness 

facilities with state-of-the-art meeting and 

conference rooms. 

4 km from the centre of Sheki city 



210 cottages 


marxalresort.az 





shahdag.az 

30 31

MAP OF AZERBAIJAN 

one journey 

many roads 

Tbilisi 

GEORGIA 

RUSSIA 

Zagatala 

Gakh 

Gusar 

Khachmaz 

Kur River 

Sheki 

Guba 

Gazakh 

Gabala 

Shamkir 

ARMENIA 

Ganja 

Naftalan 

Mingachevir 

Yevlakh 

Shamakhi 

Sumgait 

Baku 

Barda 

Araz River 

TURKEY 

Agdam 

Khankendi 

Shusha 

Fuzuli 

AZERBAIJAN 

Agjabadi 

Araz River 

Shirvan 

Salyan 

Kur River 

CASPIAN 

SEA 

Nakhchivan 

Jalilabad 

Neftchala 

IRAN 

Lankaran 

32 33

BEYOND BUSINESS 

EXPLORE AZERBAIJAN 

vibrant culture 

breathtaking landscapes 

Sheki 

Once situated on the legendary Silk Road, this charming 

city in the northwest of Azerbaijan is well worth a visit for its 

unique architecture, ancient handicrafts and the fun humour 

of the local people. One of Sheki’s top spots is the Palace 

of Sheki Khan, a display of lavish decorations including 

‘shebeke’ — the local art of building mosaics from coloured 

glass, set in a wooden latticework and assembled without 

nails or glue. Local guides can bring both this architectural 

monument and the khanate period to life with their expert 

commentaries. 

Goygol 

Lake Goygol is undoubtedly one of Azerbaijan’s most iconic 

sights. Nestled high in the Lesser Caucasus Mountains of 

the Goygol National Park, approximately one hour’s drive 

from the city of Ganja, this lake came into being after a 

12th-century earthquake sent rocks crashing into a river from 

the peak of Mount Kapaz. The deep blue lake (Goygol itself 

means ‘Blue Lake’ in Azerbaijani) is surrounded by lush forests 

rich in wildlife, including red deer, vultures, bears and lynx. For 

centuries this landscape has been a source of inspiration for 

Azerbaijani writers, artists and musicians. 

Ateshgah 

Baku Boulevard 

Beyond the Old City there is no better way to get a feel for 

Baku’s relaxed, Mediterranean atmosphere than by strolling 

along the Boulevard — the capital city’s promenade. This 

beautiful sweep of coast offers hours of pleasant strolling 

along the waterfront with ever-changing views of the city. 


World-famous architect Zaha Hadid designed the crown 

jewel in our modern architecture. Not a single straight 

line was used in the centre’s design, resembling a wave 

reaching from the ground to the sky and back down again. 

It symbolises an eternal cycle, bridging the past and the 

present to unite people under shared ideas. The centre 

regularly plays host to international exhibitions. 

Ateshgah & Yanardag 

The fire-worshipping Zoroastrians left their mark at Ateshgah, 

where the Fire Temple enthrals visitors with its spouts of 

flame. The present-day temple, adopted by the Hindu 

merchants and pilgrims, dates from the 19 th century, and 

features 16 inscriptions in Sanskrit or Punjabi that harbour 

centuries-old secrets. Indians were travelling here along the 

Silk Road. Less than a 20-minute drive away from Ateshgah, 

a 10-metre wall of flames in Yanardag — Burning Mountain 

— rises from atop a hill. The natural flames are as old as the 

time of Marco Polo, and continue to mesmerise those who 

view it from near and afar. Let the warmth of the flames, 

worshipped by Zoroastrians for over hundreds of years, sink 

into your soul. 

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Gobustan 

Gobustan and mud volcanoes 

Who doesn’t love an Indiana Jones movie full of adventure, 

mystery, suspense, and of course historical artefacts? 

Gobustan, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site, is truly a 

movie set. From prehistoric artworks to a real treasure trove, 

the past of the Azerbaijani people comes to life in Gobustan. 

Nearby you’ll find examples of some of Azerbaijan’s roughly 

350 mud volcanoes, almost half of the world’s total. These are 

caused by subterranean gases trying to escape through the 

earth’s surface which creates a bizarre lunar landscape of 

gurgling mud pools. 

Shirvanshahs’ Palace 

Once home to the Shirvanshahs that ruled most of today’s 

Azerbaijan between 9 th -16 th centuries, this UNESCO World 

Heritage Site in Baku was constructed in the highest point of 

Icherisheher between the 12 th -14 th centuries. Not only is the 

palace a timeless example of medieval Islamic architecture, 

but also a contemporary museum. 

Khinalig 

This picturesque village is located at over 2,000 metres 

above sea level and is said to be connected to the story of 

Noah who may have dropped anchor here. Due to the steep 

terrain, the village’s 380 houses — all between 200-300 years 

old — are built very close together, with each roof doubling 

up as the courtyard for the house above. As descendants of 

one of the Caucasian-Albanian tribes, the locals here can 

speak a completely unique language. Travelling here will 

allow you to discover this intriguing place and experience its 

breathtaking scenery and ancient traditions for yourself. 

Khinalig 

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RECHARGE YOUR BATTERIES 

Chovgan — a traditional horse sport 

Chovgan, Azerbaijan’s ancestor of contemporary polo, 

is a traditional sport played atop a Karabakh horse 

dating back 2,400 years. It was once one of the most 

popular sports across the Middle East and remains 

one of the most beloved games in Azerbaijan today. 

Experience the thrills of seeing a match for yourself! 

Hiking in the majestic Caucasus Mountains 

With such beautiful forests, fresh air, outstanding 

mountain views and unique flora and fauna, there is 

no better way to appreciate the magic of rural villages 

than on foot. Visitors are more than welcome to join 

eco-friendly hiking tours through mountain villages 

such as Griz, Gala-khudat, Zarnava, Laza and Khinalig, 

as well as the Hirkan, Shirvan and Absheron national 

parks. You can also explore the majestic landscapes 

of the Caucasus Mountains or the lakes, waterfalls and 

wilderness of southern Azerbaijan with experienced 

guides by your side, who will be happy to share local 

stories and traditions from nearby settlements. 

Kitesurfing in the Caspian 

For aquatic adventures, look no further than kitesurfing 

on the lagoon at Shuraabad, approximately one hour’s 

drive north of Baku. After mastering the basic skills 

in the lake’s shallower waters, visitors can challenge 

themselves to take on the Caspian’s magnificent open 

waters. 

Feel the spirit of the Silk Road 

From carpets and antiques to cosmetics, watches and 

cars, Baku’s malls, boutiques and show-rooms have all 

the luxury brands. If it’s timeless character and superb 

craftsmanship guests are looking for, Resm Jewellery 

has all the answers. Alternatively, you can head to the 

Menzer Hajiyeva Showroom to discover its ‘kelaghayi’ 

headscarves, imprinted with vivid yet chic patterns 

inspired by years of creative history. And for a real 

Azerbaijani experience, lose yourself in the colour and 

commotion in and around traditional eastern bazaars 

found in all major towns and cities. 

Hammam experience 

A place for cleansing and contemplation, relaxation 

and conversation. Azerbaijan’s hammam culture may 

have waned in popularity in recent years, but many of 

the city’s elders still remember with fond nostalgia the 

weekly ritual of visiting the city’s public baths to relax, 

socialise, share news and gossip. 

Adventure and romance in Gobustan 

GAZ-M20 Pobeda? GAZ-21 Volga? GAZ-13 Chaika? 

For delegates interested in an alternative way of 

discovering Baku, retro car services can offer guided 

city tours and cater to any other private-hire needs. 

For the more intrepid traveller, riding a jeep through 

Azerbaijan’s picturesque valleys, rugged hills and 

shallow rivers is a more adventurous way to get 

acquainted with the country and its natural beauty. 

Best golf experiences in Azerbaijan 

If delegates can spare a day for a round of golf, it 

should be spent at Dreamland Golf Club. This stunning 

yet challenging course is perfect for golfers of all 

abilities and spreads across 330 hectares of Baku’s 

lush green suburbs. Alternatively, golfers with more 

time to spare could also travel to Guba to play on the 

National Golf Club course and take in its breathtaking 

mountain views. 

38 

39


Plunge into Baku’s nightlife 

Baku is a city of contrasts, colours, culture whirled 

together by the Caspian winds, making it the perfect 

spot for vibrant nightlife. Whether international or 

local, guests can experience the best of Baku’s bars 

and lounges. Take a break from the city-life frenzy 

at the glamorous JW Marriott Absheron Hotel Baku 

and immerse yourself into the magical atmosphere 

of Buddha-Bar Baku. Guests can also embark on 

an exciting virtual journey along the coast of South 

America at the Pasifico lounge, inspired by the colours, 

textures, flora and fauna of the rainforest. 

Ancient vineyards, unique tastes 

Azerbaijan has been making wine for thousands 

of years. The varied terrain of our fast-improving 

wineries across the country has resulted in a myriad 

of aromas and flavours. The Fireland Vineyards tour 

and Enoteca Meydan in Baku’s Old City are the two 

most praised wine tasting experiences in Azerbaijan, 

where vinicultural traditions intertwine with modern 

technology right before visitors’ eyes. 

A local tea ceremony in Icherisheher 

The pleasure of drinking good tea — usually with wild 

herbs picked from the mountains — is something of 

a sacred tradition for Azerbaijanis. The small, cosy 

teahouses dotted around the Old City will be glad 

to offer an armudu glass of local tea with oregano 

or rose water, complemented of course by delicious 

sweets, jams and nuts. 

Exclusive delicacies for classy experiences 

Azerbaijan’s most famous fish is the beluga sturgeon, 

which don’t reach reproductive age until they are 

around 20 years old. It should come as no surprise 

then that beluga caviar is now one of the world’s 

most highly regarded and expensive delicacies. And 

somehow, it seems to taste even better when taking in 

the marvellous view of the Caspian Sea, a glass of our 

sparkling champagne in hand. 

Conquering the snowy peaks of the Caucasus 

The luxury resorts at Shahdag have world-class 

amenities, 14 well-prepared slopes, friendly instructors 

and diligent staff. For the more advanced skiers, black 

runs and other challenging pistes await discovery at 

the Tufandag Mountain Resort in Gabala. 

40 

41

PLAN YOUR TRIP 

useful information 

& facts 

Country Size 

86, 600 km 2 

Population 

10 million 

Weather 

Summer +27; Winter +4 

Electricity 

EU standard 220V50 Hz 

Time zone 

4 hrs ahead of GMT. Since 2016, we no 

longer put the clocks forward an hour 

in summer, so while the time is 4hrs/3hrs 

ahead of UK/Western Europe in winter, 

that drops to 3 hrs/2hrs April-October. 

Religion 

While we are a secular country, 

most of the population follow Islam. 

Muslim dress code is not enforced 

nor expected. Alcohol is very widely 

available. All religions have somewhere 

to worship in Azerbaijan. 

Dining 

Pilaf with fragrant saffron, juicy kebabs 

roasted over coals, freshly-caught 

fish, and sweet fruit and honey for 

dessert — Azerbaijan’s cuisine is full of 

flavours and surprises. However local 

restaurants offer not only traditional 

dishes, but also a variety of food 

options, such as vegetarian, vegan, 

organic, halal, kosher, etc. Due to 

having 9 different climate zones 

and an arable land mass of 38.9%, a 

huge variety of fruits and vegetables 

are cultivated here. With impressive 

growing credentials, Azerbaijan is 

no stranger to organic produce and 

healthier options. Baku has an excellent 

selection of restaurants, from Japanese 

fusion to Italian. 

Shopping 

Most international goods are available 

in Baku, which has a phenomenal 

range of designer boutiques. Export 

certificates are only required for carpets, 

art and antiques. There’s a 125 g limit on 

exporting caviar. 

Language 

Our state language is 

Azerbaijani, which is similar 

to Turkish. Many people 

speak fluent Russian. Basic 

English is understood by 

most of the population. 

A few mountain villages 

have their own unique 

languages. 

Visa 

For some nationalities visas 

are available upon arrival. 

For others e-visas can be 

obtained within 3 days via 

evisa.gov.az. We advise 

you to check requirements 

before booking your trip. 

Money 

Our currency is the manat 

(AZN). Card payments are 

accepted at most shops 

and restaurants in the 

country. Mastercard/Visa 

ATMs are very widespread 

and available in main 

towns. Changing money 

back is no problem. 

BakuCard 

BakuCard is the official 

pass including free public 

transport, entry tickets for 

selected city museums and 

attractions, plus discounts 

and special offers at 

shops, cafes, restaurants 

and much more. 

24 Hours – 24 AZN (12 Euro) 

72 Hours – 45 AZN (22 Euro) 

1 Week – 70 AZN (35 Euro) 

Public transportation 

Only the capital, Baku, has a metro 

system, which operates between 06:00 

and 00:00. Stations, trains and facilities 

are clean and safe, with trains running 

every two – three minutes. There are two 

lines – Red Line from Icherisheher to Hazi 

Aslanov, and the Green Line from Khatai 

to Darnagul. 

Buses are an inexpensive way to travel 

in Baku. Bus schedules are generally 

available at bus stops. 

On the bus and Baku underground one 

journey costs 30 qepiks, taxis are also 

widely available as an alternative option. 

Baku has several licensed taxi firms. 

The most famous of them are Baku Taxi 

Company and 189 taxi, while UBER and 

other taxi apps are also available. 

Driving 

An international driving licence is 

advised. Car rental is increasingly 

available in Baku. 

Telephone 

The country code is +994, the dial out 

code from Azerbaijan is 00. 

Mobile operators 

Azercell, Bakcell, Nar 

Contact information 

of Azerbaijan International Airports: 

Baku’s Heydar Aliyev: +994 12 497 2727 

Ganja: +994 22 267 1830 

Nakhchivan: +994 35 644 4727 

Gabala: +994 24 205 4403 

Internet 

Most good hotels are fully equipped with 

Wi-Fi connection throughout, and big 

hotels will also have business centres with 

at least a few computers. Major hotels 

sometimes charge for Wi-Fi, but it’s free 

in dozens of cafes, parks and restaurants 

across Baku and beyond. Mobile phone 

providers offer relatively inexpensive 

dongles so that you can access the web 

through 3G mobile networks. 

42 43

ABOUT US 

Azerbaijan 

Convention Bureau 

The Azerbaijan Convention Bureau (AzCB) is a part 

of the Azerbaijan Tourism Board and the lead entity 

for the promotion of business events activities. It has 

a mandate from the State Tourism Agency authority 

to implement the strategy for business events 

industry development in Azerbaijan. 

The strategic objectives of the AzCB 

are to put Azerbaijan on the global 

map as a premium business events 

destination by providing valuable 

information and support services, 

identify potential events, lead 

effective communication and lobbying, 

present the interests of partners and 

stakeholders and enhance research 

activities on behalf of the destination. 

AzCB is a platform incorporating 

public and private entities who 

work together in order to generate 

Azerbaijan and AzCB’s partners with 

additional and profitable all-yearround 

business. We also serve to 

grow the number of business events 

in Azerbaijan through our network of 

representative offices in Europe, Asia, 

CIS, and the Middle East, our first point 

of contact in international markets. 

AzCB is a Member of ICCA and is 

fully dedicated to helping business 

events industry professionals in all 

aspects of event planning. Our team 

has indepth knowledge of the country 

and very close working relationships 

with companies throughout the 

tourism, events and business events 

industries. AzCB experts will work with 

you right through the process, from 

planning and bidding to funding and 

welcoming your delegates. 

AzCB services include: 

• Analysis of congress and meeting 

requirements; 

• Liaison with national and local 

government institutions; 

• Bid preparation and support; 

• Venue search; 

• Site inspection arrangements; 

• Development of pre- and post-tour 

programmes; 

• Connecting clients to domestic 

Destination Management Companies 

(DMC’s) and Professional Congress 

Organizers (PCO’s); 

• Tentative reservations for business 

events venues and room allotment; 

• Help with social events, guides, 

excursions and transfers; 

• Access to promotional collateral, 

videos, images and brochures about 

Azerbaijan. 

We believe Azerbaijan is the best 

place to hold your business event! 

Business Events Industry Alliance 

Azerbaijan has a well-developed 

infrastructure of venues and business 

events service providers with extensive 

expertise. AzCB works with a range of 

carefully selected partner companies 

including event venues, top quality 

hotels, special venues, PCO’s and 

DMC’s along with airlines and others. 

Together we formed the Azerbaijan 

Business Events Industry Alliance 

(ABEIA) to attract conferences, 

meetings, incentives and other 

business events to the country. 

We serve as a reliable and objective 

point of contact for agents and 

planners considering Azerbaijan 

as a destination for their business 

events, and aim to make sure that 

their meetings run as smoothly and 

enjoyably as possible. Our extensive 

in-country network of partners 

enables us to facilitate contact with 

local hotels, venues and events 

organisers, who following the creation 

of the ABEIA have become one 

streamlined country product. 

To see the full list of partners, visit 

meetinazerbaijan.com. 


44

meetinazerbaijan.com 

Azerbaijan.Travel 

experienceAzerbaijan 

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Published by: 

Azerbaijan Tourism Board, 

96E Nizami Street, 

3rd floor, Landmark I 

Baku, AZ1010, Azerbaijan

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