The number of Iranians visiting the Republic of Azerbaijan has seen an increase in the first five months of 2016, compared with the corresponding period of last year, according to a statement by Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Without giving precise figures, the ministry said in the statement that the number of Iranian tourists visiting Azerbaijan had increased by 23% in January-May, News.az reported.

“This growth is driven by common historical and cultural values and geographical proximity [of the two countries],” the statement read. Azerbaijan grants Iranian nationals visa-on-arrival, while Iran has waived visa requirements for Azeri tourists. The Azerbaijan Tourism Association has started training Persian-speaking tour guides to accommodate Iranian travelers.

By Financial Tribune