Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Azerbaijan gears up to welcome influx of football fans

Azerbaijan is excited to welcome global football fans to enjoy the final of Europe’s second-biggest club football tournament, the UEFA Europa League, at the Baku Olympic Stadium on May 29.

The match will see two English teams – Arsenal and Chelsea – battling it out for European glory, attracting excitement from their fans around Europe and the world.

After hosting a series of successful high-profile sporting events over the last few years, including the European Games, the Islamic Games and the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix this April, Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is well placed to accommodate a large influx of visitors for this important game.

Besides watching the game, Azerbaijan hopes to tempt spectators to explore the country’s many offerings of outdoor pursuits and high-energy activities to ‘Take Another Look’ at all it has to offer. As one of the safest family-friendly destinations in the region, the country is blessed with endless natural beauty, modern architectural wonders and remnants of rich medieval history. From Baku’s modern Flame Towers, to the Unesco-protected Old City, mud volcanoes and timeless rural villages, there’s something for everyone in Azerbaijan.

Baku’s buzzing bars and bazaars make it an ideal destination for fans to enjoy both before and after the match. The country’s unique geography and location have resulted in a cuisine infused with the flavours of the Caucasus, the Caspian and the Great Silk Road. From traditional bistros serving local delicacies to chic international restaurants, tourists can revel in a vibrant and affordable culinary scene.

What’s more, visitors to Baku can still find a wide range of affordable accommodation options, with an abundance of luxury and mid-range hotels near the stadium and across the city, as well as plenty of well-priced hostels and Airbnb rentals.

“We are excited to welcome European and global fans to visit Azerbaijan, with two powerhouses of global sport competing for victory here in Baku. After an intensive planning phase for the highly anticipated event, all stakeholders including the State Tourism Agency, government bodies and private businesses are prepped and equipped to welcome visitors and fans for a celebration of football,” said Florian Sengstschmid, CEO of Azerbaijan Tourism Board.

To meet the increased demand for flights, Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) and others have organised more than 40 charter flights to accommodate fans for the match. All services of Baku’s Heydar Aliyev International Airport will function at full capacity to ensure the smooth operation of the flights and flow of passengers. - TradeArabia News Service