Azerbaijan’s gastrotourism potential was presented to a global audience during Madrid Fusion 2026, the Madrid International Gastronomy Congress, held in Madrid, Spain, from January 26 to 28.

“Experience Azerbaijan” stand presented selections of national cuisine, including biodiversity products listed in the Slow Food “Ark of Taste,” as well as traditional delicacies and dried fruit varieties.

As part of the programme, masterclasses and degustation sessions featuring national cuisine were organized for visitors.

Ramiz Hasanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Azerbaijan to Spain and Permanent Representative to UN Tourism, as well as Ferran Adrià, Director of the elBulli Foundation and world-renowned Michelin-starred chef visited the national stand.

During the congress, meetings were held between Azada Huseynova, Deputy Chairperson of the State Tourism Agency of Azerbaijan, and Stéphanie Kim, International Director at La Liste, the global guide for restaurants.

In addition, discussions were held with José Capel, Founder of Madrid Fusión and Gastroactitud, a leading Spanish digital gastronomy platform.

The meetings focused on promoting Azerbaijani gastronomy products globally and exploring future cooperation opportunities.

During her visit, Huseynova also met with Joxe Mari Aizega, Director of the Basque Culinary Center in San Sebastián.

The meeting addressed cooperation prospects in gastronomy education, practical teaching methodologies, and professional exchange opportunities, highlighting the Basque Culinary Center as Europe’s first university in gastronomy and culinary arts.

Meetings were also held with Juan Carlos Torres, Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Gault&Millau gastronomic guide, and with Shaikha Al Nowais, Secretary-General of UN Tourism.

Discussions focused on the development of gastrotourism, international promotion of national cuisine, and the expansion of multilateral cooperation. -TradeArabia News Service