In recent years, Uzbekistan and Qatar have been deepening their cooperation in the field of tourism, transforming mutual interest into tangible joint projects. Tourism has become more than an economic sector — it serves as a bridge between cultures, offering the peoples of both countries an opportunity to discover each other’s rich history, spiritual traditions, and modern identity.

The foundation of this partnership lies in the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two governments in 2010. This document marked the first step toward a structured dialogue, and the following years have shown both sides’ readiness to enrich their cooperation with concrete initiatives.

Step by step, collaboration in the tourism field has taken on a more sustainable character, reaching a qualitatively new level in 2025. One of the key decisions was the introduction of a visa-free regime for Qatari citizens for stays of up to thirty days. This milestone has expanded tourism exchange and clearly demonstrated Uzbekistan’s openness to visitors from the Persian Gulf.

Active cooperation in the field of tourism is maintained at a high level. In recent years, Uzbekistan has repeatedly showcased its potential at international venues in Doha, taking part in exhibitions, forums, and presentations. The country’s national stands attract great interest from tourism professionals and the general public alike. They highlight everything Uzbekistan is renowned for — its ancient cities, UNESCO World Heritage sites, traditional crafts, cuisine, and the warm hospitality of its Eastern culture.

In 2025, a highlight of the bilateral calendar was the Uzbekistan–Qatar International Tourism Forum, held in Doha during the summer. The forum became an important platform for exchanging experience, building partnerships, and discussing joint projects in the tourism sector.

Representatives of tourism companies, airlines, and the hospitality industry from both countries discussed opportunities to promote travel routes, organize familiarization tours, and develop infrastructure. As a result, agreements were reached on several joint initiatives aimed at increasing tourist flows and enhancing Uzbekistan’s visibility in the Qatari market.

Alongside business cooperation, image-building and cultural projects are also thriving. At the initiative of the Tourism Committee and the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Qatar, a large-scale media campaign was launched in Doha in 2025: videos about Uzbekistan were displayed on giant LED screens along the city’s main streets.

Alongside business cooperation, image-building and cultural projects are also thriving. At the initiative of the Tourism Committee and the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Qatar, a large-scale media campaign was launched in Doha in 2025: videos about Uzbekistan were displayed on giant LED screens along the city’s main streets.

The footage featured the majestic domes of Samarkand and Bukhara, mountain landscapes, vibrant bazaars, and modern Tashkent. This visual campaign became part of a broader strategy to promote the country’s image and strengthen cultural ties between the two nations.

Uzbekistan’s participation in major international exhibitions in Qatar continues to attract considerable attention. The national stands traditionally highlight tourism routes as well as initiatives in pilgrimage, gastronomic, and eco-tourism, alongside cultural heritage projects. Visitors note the country’s unique combination of authenticity and modernity, which makes Uzbekistan stand out as a dynamic destination, one that can both surprise and inspire.

The Qatari audience increasingly views Uzbekistan as a new and appealing destination for travelers. This growing interest is reinforced by ongoing efforts to promote the country through Arab media and digital platforms.

Cultural exchange also plays a vital role. The organization of thematic exhibitions, gastronomic festivals, and Uzbek Culture Weeks in Doha provides a strong foundation for humanitarian cooperation. These initiatives showcase Uzbekistan’s tourism potential and foster mutual understanding and respect between the peoples of both nations.

A new model of cooperation is gradually emerging, in which tourism serves not merely as an economic driver but as a key instrument of people-to-people diplomacy. Through travel, joint projects, and exchanges of expertise, Uzbekistan and Qatar continue to discover each other’s traditions, contemporary life, and future potential.

The growing tourism partnership between the two countries reflects a broader trend of Uzbekistan strengthening its ties with the countries of the Persian Gulf. Shared values of hospitality, a deep respect for cultural heritage, and a commitment to building bridges between Central Asia and the Arab world provide a solid foundation for long-term collaboration.

Uzbekistan and Qatar are not just developing tourism — they are creating a space of trust, exchange, and inspiration. This dialogue of cultures, which began with diplomatic agreements, is evolving into a living story of connection between people, traditions, and ideas, uniting the two nations and opening new horizons for future cooperation.

Personal safety is increasingly becoming one of the key factors influencing travelers' choice of destination. This aspect is reflected in the Safety Perceptions Index 2023, an international study published by the Institute for Economics & Peace (Vision of Humanity).

According to the study, Uzbekistan ranked first among 121 countries in terms of perceived personal safety. Unlike conventional rankings based on crime statistics, the Index measures how safe people feel in their daily lives, drawing on data from the global World Risk Poll.

In recent years, safety has become an increasingly important consideration for the global tourism industry. Alongside transport accessibility, service quality and tourism infrastructure, the perception of personal security plays a significant role in shaping confidence in a destination and influencing travel decisions.

In this context, the findings of the Safety Perceptions Index offer an additional perspective on Uzbekistan's tourism potential. Alongside its rich historical and cultural heritage, diverse travel experiences and continuously developing tourism infrastructure, the country's high level of perceived safety contributes to its international image as a welcoming destination.

The combination of cultural heritage, renowned hospitality, ongoing tourism reforms and a comfortable public environment creates favorable conditions for visitors. As Uzbekistan continues to expand its international tourism profile, findings from independent global studies provide valuable insight into how the country is perceived by people around the world.

Link to the analytical report:

https://www.visionofhumanity.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/SPI-2023-2.pdf

Starting April 1, 2026, a value-added tax refund (Tax Free) system for foreign citizens has been launched at all international airports in Uzbekistan.

The new system allows tourists to receive VAT refunds on goods purchased within the country. Refunds can be issued either in cash or transferred to a bank card. If a cashless method is chosen, the funds are credited within up to 3 business days after the goods are exported.

The minimum purchase amount eligible for a refund is 300,000 UZS (including VAT). Foreign citizens are refunded 85% of the VAT amount, while the remaining 15% is allocated to cover the services of the Tax Free system operator.

The previously limited list of goods eligible for Tax Free (with the exception of food products) has been abolished.

It is expected that the introduction of Tax Free will increase the country’s attractiveness for foreign tourists, contribute to the growth of retail trade, and support further development of the tourism sector.

In the future, the system is planned to be expanded in stages — in addition to airports, it will be introduced at railway stations and border customs checkpoints, as well as extended to a wider range of retail outlets, including the broader retail sector.

Special attention is being paid to digitalization: to simplify refund procedures, active use of modern information technologies and mobile solutions is planned.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/17nMg1wYgHffU-lzB_rVNniVP1oKq1hE2?usp=sharing

Dunyo IA

Central Asia possesses unique advantages for the formation of a unified regional tourism space. Historic cities of the Great Silk Road, rich cultural heritage, diverse natural landscapes, and centuries-old traditions provide exceptional opportunities for developing virtually every modern form of tourism—from cultural and heritage tourism and pilgrimage tourism to gastronomic, ethnographic, ecotourism, adventure, and medical tourism.

One of the most significant initiatives in this area was proposed by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who put forward the idea of establishing the "Central Asia Tourism Ring"—a unified tourism area bringing together the countries of the region. The initiative was presented in May 2026 during the Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank.

Presenting the initiative, the President emphasized that amid growing global uncertainty, millions of travelers are increasingly choosing safe destinations, while Central Asia possesses enormous potential for the development of diverse tourism segments. Owing to comprehensive reforms in tourism infrastructure, improvements in service quality, visa and transport policies, and enhanced traveler safety, the number of foreign visitors to Uzbekistan has increased sixfold over the past decade. In 2025 alone, the country welcomed 11.7 million international visitors.

The development of the Central Asia Tourism Ring extends cooperation beyond the boundaries of the region itself. On the contrary, it creates new opportunities for collaboration with countries historically connected to Central Asia through the routes of the Great Silk Road. One of the most successful examples of such cooperation is the tourism partnership between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan.

Bilateral cooperation in tourism is built upon a solid foundation. An intergovernmental agreement on cooperation was signed as early as 1996. Over the years, the two countries have significantly expanded their legal and institutional framework for cooperation, including the adoption of the 2024–2026 Tourism Action Plan between the Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

A new impetus to bilateral cooperation was given on 4 April 2025, when the National PR Centre of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Azerbaijan Tourism Board signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Samarkand. The document provides for the implementation of the Joint Silk Road Highlights Tour project, aimed at jointly promoting tourism routes along the Great Silk Road in international markets.

The concept of the project is based on combining the tourism potential of the two countries into a single travel experience. The itinerary includes the historic cities of Baku, Shamakhi, Sheki, Khiva, Bukhara, and Samarkand, enabling international visitors to discover the rich cultural heritage of several major centers of the Great Silk Road within a single journey. Particular emphasis is placed on the joint promotion of tourism routes through webinars, roadshows, B2B meetings, and presentations for representatives of the international tourism industry.

A practical embodiment of this initiative was the joint Highlights of the Silk Road roadshow held in October 2025. The promotional campaign covered Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Spain. During the roadshow, tourism companies from Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan presented their tourism offerings to European partners, conducted a series of B2B meetings, and discussed opportunities for developing combined tour packages and expanding bilateral cooperation. The business programme was complemented by cultural events showcasing the rich traditions and cultural heritage of both countries.

The effectiveness of these joint efforts is also reflected in tourism statistics. During the period from January to May 2026, the number of Azerbaijani citizens visiting Uzbekistan increased by more than 80 percent compared with the corresponding period of the previous year. This strong growth demonstrates the increasing interest in Uzbekistan's tourism potential and the effectiveness of the two countries' joint promotional efforts.

Alongside the implementation of major joint projects, practical cooperation between the respective tourism authorities continues to expand. Representatives of the tourism administrations of both countries regularly participate in international tourism exhibitions, industry forums, and meetings of international organizations. They also conduct reciprocal official visits, organize familiarization tours for media representatives and tourism professionals, and implement joint cultural and gastronomic initiatives. This format of cooperation facilitates the exchange of expertise, strengthens the promotion of national tourism brands, and contributes to the development of new competitive tourism products.

Looking ahead, the two countries intend to further develop joint Silk Road tourism routes, expand professional exchange programmes for tourism specialists, strengthen cooperation in tourism education and capacity building, and intensify the joint promotion of their tourism potential in third-country markets.

Today, Uzbekistan's tourism policy is guided by the principles of openness, partnership, and regional connectivity. The initiative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan to establish the Central Asia Tourism Ring creates new opportunities for developing modern multi-destination tourism routes, while the successful implementation of joint projects with Azerbaijan demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated efforts to promote the shared heritage of the Great Silk Road. The consistent expansion of such cooperation contributes to enhancing Uzbekistan's tourism appeal, strengthening international partnerships, and creating new opportunities for the sustainable development of the tourism industry.

Cooperation between Uzbekistan and Serbia in the field of tourism is gradually reaching a new level. Although bilateral tourism ties are still at an early stage of development, the two countries have significant potential for expanding mutual tourism, jointly promoting tourism products and exchanging experience in promising areas of the industry.

Uzbekistan and Serbia boast rich historical and cultural heritage, distinctive traditions and diverse tourism resources. For Serbia, particular interest lies in its historical and cultural centers of Belgrade, Novi Sad, Niš, Kragujevac and Subotica, as well as the Zlatibor natural and recreational area. Uzbekistan, in turn, offers unique monuments of the Great Silk Road, the ancient cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and Shahrisabz, as well as broad opportunities for the development of cultural, gastronomic, pilgrimage, ecotourism and other types of tourism.

An important step in strengthening bilateral cooperation was the signing, on October 28, 2025, of the Intergovernmental Agreement between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Serbia on cooperation in the field of tourism.

The agreement provides a framework for expanding cooperation between relevant government authorities, tourism organizations and business representatives of the two countries. Promising areas include the exchange of experience, promotion of tourism potential, development of tourism products, attraction of investment and expansion of tourist exchanges.

Another factor contributing to the growth of mutual travel is the visa-free entry regime for Serbian citizens traveling to Uzbekistan, which has been in effect since 2019.

Serbia has significant potential for tourism development. Tourism plays a notable role in the Serbian economy. In 2024, the country's tourism-related foreign exchange revenues amounted to approximately €2.5 billion, increasing to around €2.9 billion in 2025.

In 2024, the gross value added generated by Serbia's tourism sector amounted to approximately €1.8 billion, or 2.1 percent of the country's GDP. Meanwhile, around 113,600 people were employed in the tourism sector in 2025, accounting for 4.9 percent of total employment.

These figures demonstrate Serbia's considerable experience in developing its tourism industry and offer valuable opportunities for practical experience-sharing with Uzbekistan.

Film tourism is regarded as a promising area for promoting tourism potential. Hosting the production of foreign films and television series in Uzbekistan and Serbia could enhance the international visibility of tourism destinations, attract new categories of travelers and encourage joint projects between representatives of the creative industries of the two countries.

Alongside film tourism, promising areas for experience-sharing include wine, gastronomic and medical tourism. Uzbekistan is particularly interested in Serbia's experience in developing gastronomic and wine routes, while Serbia could benefit from Uzbekistan's rich culinary traditions, historical and cultural heritage, and opportunities in medical and wellness tourism.

One of the priorities for further cooperation could be to intensify joint information and marketing activities. In particular, familiarization tours for Serbian journalists, travel bloggers, tour operators and tourism industry representatives could be highly effective.

Such visits would provide an opportunity to introduce representatives of the Serbian market directly to the tourism opportunities of Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and other regions of Uzbekistan, while also facilitating the development of new itineraries and tourism packages.

Serbia's regular participation in the Tashkent International Tourism Fair “Tourism on the Silk Road” could also play an important role in promotion. The participation of Serbian tour operators, hotel companies and specialized organizations would help expand professional contacts, facilitate B2B meetings and provide a direct platform for presenting Serbia's tourism potential to the Uzbek market.

Improving transport connectivity is one of the key conditions for further growth in tourist exchanges. In this regard, a promising area of cooperation is exploring the possibility of establishing regular direct air service between Tashkent and Belgrade.

Regular business missions, B2B meetings, thematic seminars and familiarization tours would help establish sustainable links between tour operators and other tourism market participants.

Cooperation between Uzbekistan and Serbia in tourism has strong prospects for further development. The existing legal framework, growing tourist flows, the visa-free regime and expanding professional contacts are creating the necessary conditions for moving toward larger-scale joint initiatives.

Looking ahead, the development of direct air connectivity, joint promotion of tourism opportunities, exchange of expertise in specialized tourism segments and the creation of joint tourism routes could become important areas for strengthening tourism ties between the two countries and advancing bilateral tourist exchanges to a new level.

Central Asia continues to strengthen its position as one of the world's most promising tourism destinations, attracting an increasing number of travelers thanks to its rich historical and cultural heritage, unique natural landscapes, and expanding regional cooperation. Uzbekistan plays a key role in this process by consistently implementing large-scale tourism reforms, improving tourism infrastructure, and actively promoting the country's tourism potential on the international stage. During the first half of 2026, Uzbekistan welcomed more than 6.5 million foreign visitors for tourism purposes, nearly 25% more than during the same period last year. In May and June alone, the country received over 2.5 million international tourists, confirming the steady growth of global interest in Uzbekistan's tourism offerings.

Kyrgyzstan remains one of Uzbekistan's key regional partners. During the first six months of 2026, tourist arrivals from Kyrgyzstan continued to grow steadily, reflecting the strong tourism ties between the two countries and the progressive development of bilateral cooperation.

The growth in mutual tourist exchanges is the result of systematic efforts to expand cooperation in the tourism sector. Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan continue to strengthen their partnership through intergovernmental agreements and joint programs. Their cooperation covers a broad range of areas, including the promotion of joint tourism routes, participation in international tourism events, the organization of familiarization tours, the exchange of expertise, and the implementation of joint tourism development initiatives.

New opportunities for expanding bilateral cooperation have emerged following the proposal by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, to establish the Central Asia Tourism Ring. The initiative was announced in May 2026 during the Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank. It aims to create an integrated tourism space across Central Asia and provide additional opportunities for promoting multi-country travel routes, making the region even more attractive to visitors from third countries.

Today, cooperation between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan extends well beyond the traditional exchange of tourists. Both countries are focusing on developing integrated tourism products primarily designed for travelers from third countries. Their shared historical and cultural heritage provides a strong foundation for creating itineraries that combine Silk Road landmarks, cultural attractions, and natural destinations across both Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. The two countries are already jointly promoting such routes as "Journey Along the Silk Road" and "Journey Through the Natural Attractions of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan," while also developing other collaborative tourism initiatives.

International tourism exhibitions, forums, and industry events remain important platforms for strengthening bilateral cooperation. Kyrgyzstan is one of the regular participants in the Tashkent International Tourism Fair "Tourism on the Silk Road," while representatives of the tourism authorities of both countries regularly meet during events organized under the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. These meetings focus on increasing tourist flows, improving transport connectivity, promoting joint tourism routes, and expanding cooperation between tourism organizations.

In recent years, the two countries have organized reciprocal familiarization trips for tour operators, media tours, presentations showcasing the tourism potential of their regions, and joint educational programs. These initiatives facilitate the exchange of professional expertise, strengthen direct contacts between tourism industry representatives, and create new opportunities for promoting the tourism potential of both countries.

Among the most promising areas for future cooperation are the development of cross-border tourism, further improvement of border-crossing procedures, the promotion of new joint tourism routes, and closer collaboration within the concept of Central Asia as a single tourism destination. The implementation of these initiatives will create additional opportunities to increase mutual tourist flows and attract more international visitors from third-country markets.

The continued expansion of cooperation between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan demonstrates the strong potential of their tourism partnership. Growing tourist exchanges, the development of joint projects, and the implementation of new regional initiatives are laying a solid foundation for further strengthening tourism ties, enhancing Central Asia's competitiveness in the global tourism market, and promoting the region as an attractive destination for international travelers.

Around 1.18 million foreign tourists arrived in the country in July alone

A total of 7,749,308 foreign nationals visited Uzbekistan for tourism purposes in January–July 2026.

Tourist flow increased by 1.4 million people, or 22.6 percent, compared with the same period last year.

The largest number of tourists arrived from neighbouring countries. In particular, 2,177,108 visitors came from the Kyrgyz Republic, 1,855,562 from Kazakhstan, and 1,728,978 from Tajikistan.

They were followed by Russia with 710,824 visitors, Afghanistan - 281,200, China - 269,735, Turkmenistan - 192,830, Türkiye - 111,908, India - 32,462, and the Republic of Korea - 26,512.

Thus, around 1.18 million foreign tourists visited Uzbekistan in July alone. At the same time, the growth in tourist flows has continued throughout the year.

It should be recalled that more than 6.5 million foreign nationals visited Uzbekistan in the first half of 2026, which was nearly 25 percent higher than the figure recorded during the same period last year.

The sustained positive dynamics demonstrate the continued expansion of tourist flows to Uzbekistan and the strengthening of the country’s position as one of the region’s sought-after tourist destinations.

Dunyo IA,

Tashkent

In recent years, the development of regional cooperation has become one of the key drivers of sustainable growth in the global tourism industry. An increasing number of travelers are choosing to explore entire regions rather than individual countries, attracted by their shared history, cultural heritage, and convenient transport connectivity. As a result, the development of cross-border tourism routes and the joint promotion of tourism products are now widely recognized as effective tools for enhancing international competitiveness.

Central Asia possesses unique advantages for creating such an integrated tourism space. The historic cities of the Great Silk Road, rich cultural heritage, diverse natural landscapes, and centuries-old traditions provide exceptional opportunities for developing virtually every modern form of tourism—from cultural and heritage tourism and pilgrimage tourism to gastronomic, ethnographic, ecotourism, adventure, and medical tourism.

One of the most significant initiatives in this area was proposed by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who put forward the idea of establishing the "Central Asia Tourism Ring"—a unified tourism area bringing together the countries of the region. The initiative was presented in May 2026 during the Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank.

Presenting the initiative, the President emphasized that amid growing global uncertainty, millions of travelers are increasingly choosing safe destinations, while Central Asia possesses enormous potential for the development of diverse tourism segments. Owing to comprehensive reforms in tourism infrastructure, improvements in service quality, visa and transport policies, and enhanced traveler safety, the number of foreign visitors to Uzbekistan has increased sixfold over the past decade. In 2025 alone, the country welcomed 11.7 million international visitors.

The development of the Central Asia Tourism Ring extends cooperation beyond the boundaries of the region itself. On the contrary, it creates new opportunities for collaboration with countries historically connected to Central Asia through the routes of the Great Silk Road. One of the most successful examples of such cooperation is the tourism partnership between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan.

Bilateral cooperation in tourism is built upon a solid foundation. An intergovernmental agreement on cooperation was signed as early as 1996. Over the years, the two countries have significantly expanded their legal and institutional framework for cooperation, including the adoption of the 2024–2026 Tourism Action Plan between the Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

A new impetus to bilateral cooperation was given on 4 April 2025, when the National PR Centre of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Azerbaijan Tourism Board signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Samarkand. The document provides for the implementation of the Joint Silk Road Highlights Tour project, aimed at jointly promoting tourism routes along the Great Silk Road in international markets.

The concept of the project is based on combining the tourism potential of the two countries into a single travel experience. The itinerary includes the historic cities of Baku, Shamakhi, Sheki, Khiva, Bukhara, and Samarkand, enabling international visitors to discover the rich cultural heritage of several major centers of the Great Silk Road within a single journey. Particular emphasis is placed on the joint promotion of tourism routes through webinars, roadshows, B2B meetings, and presentations for representatives of the international tourism industry.

A practical embodiment of this initiative was the joint Highlights of the Silk Road roadshow held in October 2025. The promotional campaign covered Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Spain. During the roadshow, tourism companies from Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan presented their tourism offerings to European partners, conducted a series of B2B meetings, and discussed opportunities for developing combined tour packages and expanding bilateral cooperation. The business programme was complemented by cultural events showcasing the rich traditions and cultural heritage of both countries.

The effectiveness of these joint efforts is also reflected in tourism statistics. During the period from January to May 2026, the number of Azerbaijani citizens visiting Uzbekistan increased by more than 80 percent compared with the corresponding period of the previous year. This strong growth demonstrates the increasing interest in Uzbekistan's tourism potential and the effectiveness of the two countries' joint promotional efforts.

Alongside the implementation of major joint projects, practical cooperation between the respective tourism authorities continues to expand. Representatives of the tourism administrations of both countries regularly participate in international tourism exhibitions, industry forums, and meetings of international organizations. They also conduct reciprocal official visits, organize familiarization tours for media representatives and tourism professionals, and implement joint cultural and gastronomic initiatives. This format of cooperation facilitates the exchange of expertise, strengthens the promotion of national tourism brands, and contributes to the development of new competitive tourism products.

Looking ahead, the two countries intend to further develop joint Silk Road tourism routes, expand professional exchange programmes for tourism specialists, strengthen cooperation in tourism education and capacity building, and intensify the joint promotion of their tourism potential in third-country markets.

Today, Uzbekistan's tourism policy is guided by the principles of openness, partnership, and regional connectivity. The initiative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan to establish the Central Asia Tourism Ring creates new opportunities for developing modern multi-destination tourism routes, while the successful implementation of joint projects with Azerbaijan demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated efforts to promote the shared heritage of the Great Silk Road. The consistent expansion of such cooperation contributes to enhancing Uzbekistan's tourism appeal, strengthening international partnerships, and creating new opportunities for the sustainable development of the tourism industry.

Tourism in Uzbekistan is experiencing a period of notable growth. More and more international travelers are choosing the country, and as tourist flows increase, so do opportunities for travel: new routes and tourism products are emerging, while ties with foreign partners are becoming stronger. From January to August 2026, Uzbekistan welcomed 9.1 million foreign tourists — 21.1% more than during the same period last year.

Cooperation with the CIS countries plays an important role in this process. Uzbekistan shares long-standing cultural ties, well-developed transport connections, and sustained mutual interest in travel with these countries. The figures are telling. In the first eight months of 2026, nearly 868,000 tourists from Russia visited Uzbekistan — 30.8% more than a year earlier. As a result, among countries that do not border Uzbekistan, Russia is the largest source of tourists. Growth in tourist flows from Azerbaijan has been even more pronounced: the number of travelers from Azerbaijan to Uzbekistan increased by 63.3% compared with the same period last year, reaching 22,000.

These figures are also the result of practical cooperation — from transport links and direct contacts between tourism industry representatives to the promotion of new destinations and travel programs. In March, for example, Uzbekistan presented its tourism potential at MITT-2026, the Moscow International Exhibition of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, where B2B meetings were held with Russian partners, involving more than 200 companies. Air connectivity is also expanding: the Kazan–Tashkent route was launched in 2026, while further expansion of the direct-flight network is under discussion, including routes from Russia to Samarkand, Bukhara, Namangan, and Fergana.

With Azerbaijan, one of the notable areas of cooperation has been the joint promotion of the two countries' tourism opportunities abroad. In 2025, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan held the European roadshow “Highlights of the Silk Road,” covering Frankfurt, Vienna, Zurich, Budapest, Prague, and Barcelona. Cooperation is also continuing at the professional level through the participation of tourism industry representatives in specialized events and familiarization tours in both countries.

Uzbekistan has even closer tourism ties with its neighboring states. Here, not only geographical proximity and traditionally high levels of mutual travel play a role. Cooperation is gradually expanding to cover a growing range of practical issues — from the work of tour operators and cross-border tourism to the creation of routes that combine the attractions and opportunities of several territories. Cooperation with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan is developing at the level of relevant government agencies, regions, and tourism businesses. Joint presentations of tourism potential, industry meetings, forums, and familiarization tours are being held, while direct contacts between tour operators are being maintained. In particular, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan have prepared a draft tourism cooperation program for 2026–2027.

At the same time, the high level of mutual travel and the experience accumulated through cooperation open up significantly broader opportunities. The potential of existing ties can be used not only to further develop tourism between the countries of the region, but also to jointly attract travelers from other parts of the world.

For a tourist traveling to Central Asia from afar, the opportunity to visit several countries as part of a single trip can be an additional advantage. The cities of the Great Silk Road, pilgrimage centers, natural areas, cuisine, crafts, and traditions of different countries do not necessarily have to compete with one another. Instead, they can complement each other, creating a richer and longer travel experience.

This perspective is reflected in the initiative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, to create a “Central Asian Tourism Ring,” put forward this spring at the 59th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank in Samarkand.

The head of state noted that Central Asia has significant potential in pilgrimage, cultural, gastronomic, ethnographic, adventure, and medical tourism. In this regard, he proposed creating a tourism space that would bring together the countries of the region.

There is already a foundation for such an approach. Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan are already developing joint tourism products, including “Silk Road Journeys” and “Journeys to the Natural Attractions of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.” Further proposals include developing combined tours, organizing joint expeditions by tourism companies, and promoting Central Asia as a single tourist destination for visitors from third countries.

There is also progress in other areas, particularly in introducing a simplified border-crossing mechanism between Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. This is gradually creating conditions in which traveling across several countries becomes not only an interesting experience for tourists, but also a more convenient one.

The next important task is to turn individual initiatives and routes into a clear and attractive proposition for international travelers. This requires convenient transport connections, easier movement between countries, ready-made combined travel programs, and closer cooperation among tour operators. In this way, the geographical proximity of the countries can become an advantage, allowing Central Asia to be presented as a region where travelers can experience a remarkably diverse range of tourism offerings within a single trip.

In this context, cooperation on multilateral platforms is also gaining particular importance. The upcoming Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and the meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the CIS will once again bring regional cooperation issues to the forefront. For the tourism industry, the experience accumulated through cooperation creates an opportunity to move further — from intensive mutual travel and individual joint projects toward more systematic efforts to attract travelers from other parts of the world.

For Uzbekistan, this represents an opportunity to develop its own tourism destinations while also incorporating them into longer journeys across Central Asia. In this format, each country retains its own tourism appeal, while the proximity and diversity of the countries in the region become an additional advantage for international travelers.

On 20 November of the current year, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan adopted Resolution No. PQ-350 entitled “On the Establishment and Organization of the Activities of the Samarkand Campus of the International Tourism Academy under the Auspices of the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism)”.

In accordance with the Resolution, the following key performance objectives have been defined for the activities of the Samarkand Campus of the International Tourism Academy (hereinafter referred to as the Academy), established under the auspices of the World Tourism Organization of the United Nations, including:

• establishing cooperation with one of the world’s top-10 ranked educational institutions and launching the training of highly qualified specialists;

• organizing professional development courses of up to one month and retraining programs of up to eight months.

The Academy shall operate within the structure of the “Silk Road” International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage. Educational activities at the Academy shall be carried out in accordance with the education formats applicable in the Republic of Uzbekistan and shall be conducted in Uzbek, Russian, and English.

Starting from 1 December 2025:

• specialists of tourism sector entities shall undergo retraining and professional development on a contractual basis;

• annually, 100 talented specialists from member states of the World Tourism Organization shall be awarded special grants to pursue retraining and professional development programs at the Academy.

By the end of 2025, Uzbekistan is demonstrating strong and dynamic growth in its tourism sector. Nearly 12 million foreign tourists visited the country, marking a 16% increase compared to the previous year.

Tourism service exports exceeded USD 4.8 billion, confirming the growing international interest in Uzbekistan and strengthening its position as one of the most promising tourist destinations in the region.

These results have been achieved through consistent reforms in the tourism sector aimed at improving infrastructure, enhancing transport accessibility, digitalizing services, and creating favorable conditions for travelers. The country is actively implementing projects focused on developing tourism clusters, improving service quality, and expanding international cooperation.

The Republic has introduced simplified entry procedures for foreign citizens. Currently, visa-free entry is granted to citizens of 94 countries, an electronic visa system is available for 52 countries, and a five-day visa-free transit regime applies to 45 countries.

Against the backdrop of ongoing geopolitical instability in certain regions of the world, including mass protests and demonstrations in some countries, the importance of safety and comfort for tourists is becoming increasingly significant.

In this context, Uzbekistan maintains its status as a stable, safe, and hospitable country, open to all visitors regardless of nationality or religion. Traditions of respect, tolerance, and genuine hospitality are an integral part of Uzbek culture.

International rankings confirm the high level of safety in Uzbekistan. In recent years, the country has consistently ranked among the leading nations in global safety indices. In particular, according to the “International SOS Risk Map,” Uzbekistan is classified as a “Low Risk” destination, placing it alongside several European countries in terms of overall safety.

According to the “Numbeo Safety Index,” Uzbekistan ranks 25th out of 148 countries worldwide, demonstrating a consistently low level of crime. Furthermore, in the “Solo Female Travel Safety Index” and the “Safety Perceptions Index,” Uzbekistan ranks 1st globally, achieving one of the highest safety scores for solo female travelers. Additionally, in the “Gallup Global Law and Order Index,” the country has also been among the global leaders in terms of public safety and trust in law enforcement. Taken together, these assessments contribute to a strong international image of Uzbekistan as a safe, stable, and comfortable destination for tourists.

Today, Uzbekistan offers visitors not only the rich cultural and historical heritage of the Great Silk Road but also modern infrastructure, comfortable conditions, and an atmosphere of openness.

In recent years, tourism has become one of the priority areas in Uzbekistan’s foreign economic strategy. As part of this policy, the country is actively strengthening its partnership with the European Union, turning the tourism sector into a powerful driver of economic growth, cultural exchange, and enhanced international reputation.

Collaboration with the EU encompasses a broad spectrum of initiatives — from joint infrastructure and digital projects to promoting tourism on the global stage. A significant milestone was the first “Central Asia – European Union” summit held in April 2025 in Samarkand. A declaration on strategic partnership was adopted at the summit, highlighting the importance of tourism development.

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, put forward the “One Tour – The Whole Region” initiative, aimed at unifying Central Asian tourist routes in line with EU standards. The goal is to simplify visa procedures, promote cultural exchange, and make travel across the region more accessible and appealing to European tourists.

Cultural cooperation has become a key element of this partnership. One of the most notable events was the large-scale production of the ballet Lazgi, which symbolized the cultural dialogue between Uzbekistan and the countries of Europe. Uzbekistan is also participating in international programs such as Horizon Europe, which contribute to the development of scientific and educational potential, directly impacting the quality of tourism services.

The economic benefits are already noticeable. In 2025, Uzbekistan expects to welcome over 11 million foreign tourists, with industry revenues projected to reach $4 billion. To achieve these goals, the country is actively modernizing its infrastructure and implementing digital solutions in the tourism sector. For example, the CAREN program established high-speed connectivity between universities in Central Asia and Europe, promoting the exchange of knowledge and innovation in the field of tourism.

Special attention is given to promoting Uzbekistan’s tourism image on international platforms. Leading media outlets such as Euronews, BBC, CNN, and National Geographic present the country as a promising destination, which contributes to the growth of tourist inflow from Europe.

A significant contribution to the promotion was made by the roadshows organized in European capitals—Berlin, Paris, Madrid, Rome, Zagreb, and Warsaw. These events not only showcased Uzbekistan’s cultural heritage but also served as a platform for establishing business connections with tour operators and investors.

Moreover, sustainable tourism development is a key focus: projects aimed at preserving natural and cultural heritage are being implemented, environmental standards are being introduced in tourist areas, and green infrastructure is being developed.

The partnership between Uzbekistan and the European Union in tourism is more than just an exchange of experience—it is a strategic alliance that brings real economic, cultural, and social benefits. This collaboration creates new opportunities for the region, strengthens bonds between peoples, and makes Central Asia more open and appealing to the world.

Chairman of the Tourism Committee
 U.Shadiev