Uzbekistan has quietly transformed itself into Central Asia’s tourism powerhouse, leveraging its ancient Silk Road heritage while implementing bold modern reforms. The country that was once among the world’s most isolated nations has become one of the fastest-growing travel destinations on Earth.
This dramatic shift didn’t happen overnight. Through strategic government initiatives, massive infrastructure investments, and progressive visa policies, Uzbekistan has successfully positioned itself as the go-to destination for travelers seeking authentic Silk Road experiences in the modern era.
Record-Breaking Tourism Growth Transforms the Nation
Uzbekistan is projected to welcome approximately 4.2 million foreign visitors between January and May 2025 for tourism purposes, representing an impressive 48.2% increase compared to the same period in 2024. These numbers tell the story of a tourism boom that has exceeded all expectations. Uzbekistan aims to exceed 1 million foreign tourists in a single month by April 2025.
The country expects continued momentum throughout 2025, with visitor numbers projected to break previous records. Building on a strong foundation, 2024 saw Uzbekistan welcome 10.2 million foreign tourists, generating $3.5 billion in tourism revenue – a 1.5-fold increase from 2023. This robust performance laid the groundwork for the even more spectacular growth witnessed in 2025.
What makes these figures particularly impressive is their sustained nature. Rather than experiencing seasonal spikes, the momentum continued, with projections of approximately 1.1 million visitors in both May and June 2025.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites Drive International Recognition
Tourism in Uzbekistan encompasses a vibrant sector focused on the nation’s profound historical legacy as a key hub along the ancient Silk Road, featuring iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Historic Centre of Samarkand – Crossroad of Cultures, the Historic Centre of Bukhara, and Itchan Kala in Khiva. These three jewels form the backbone of Uzbekistan’s cultural tourism appeal.
The country currently boasts six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with recent additions expanding beyond cultural properties. In 2016, the country’s first natural World Heritage Site was inscribed – Western Tien-Shan, part of the Tien-Shan Mountain Range, one of the largest mountain systems in the world, extending across international borders. Most recently, in 2023, Silk Roads: Zarafshan-Karakum Corridor, nominated by Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, was also added to the World Heritage List with its 33 component sites.
2024 is poised to be a significant year for tourism in Uzbekistan, as Khiva has been chosen as the tourism capital of the Islamic world. In 2023, Samarkand was elected as the capital city of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the venue for the 25th anniversary session of the UNWTO General Assembly. These international recognitions have significantly boosted the country’s profile among cultural travelers worldwide.
Revolutionary Visa Liberalization Opens Doors Worldwide
As of 2024, citizens from over 90 countries can enter Uzbekistan without obtaining a visa in advance. This represents one of the most comprehensive visa liberalization programs in the world, fundamentally changing how international travelers perceive Uzbekistan as a destination.
The expansion continues with significant new developments throughout 2025. In June 2025, Uzbekistan introduced a visa-free regime with China, allowing citizens of both nations to stay in each other’s countries for up to 30 days. This was followed by an expansion of the visa-free regime in October 2025 to include several Middle Eastern nations, namely Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan.
Perhaps most significantly for Western tourism, according to government announcements, U.S. citizens will reportedly be able to visit Uzbekistan without a visa for up to 30 days starting January 1, 2026. This move positions Uzbekistan to tap into one of the world’s largest and most influential tourism markets.
Massive Infrastructure Investment Creates Modern Tourism Foundation
In February 2021, President Mirziyoyev allocated $100 million for tourism infrastructure development. The government subsidized the construction of three- and four-star hotels with at least 50 rooms to increase the total number of hotel rooms from 20,200 (2018) to 64,000 (2025). This represents more than a tripling of accommodation capacity in just seven years.
Investments reported over eight years exceed six-and-a-half billion USD, and over one hundred and thirty thousand new hotel rooms have been added. These investments extend far beyond accommodation, encompassing airport modernization, transportation networks, and digital infrastructure.
Uzbekistan is modernizing and expanding its airports to serve more travelers. State-owned enterprise Uzbekistan Airports was separated from Uzbekistan Airways in 2019 and manages Uzbekistan’s 11 international airports. Uzbekistan Airports plans to work with private companies on airport construction projects and management on a tender basis and plans to double the country’s airports’ passenger throughput capacity and triple load throughput capacity by 2026.
Silk Road Heritage Meets Modern Tourism Innovation
Uzbekistan’s tourism strategy cleverly balances preservation of its ancient Silk Road heritage with modern tourism innovations. A major Silk Road stop since the days of Alexander the Great, the Fergana Valley’s town of Margilan is the heart of some of the world’s best silk and oldest silk-weaving techniques – so revered that they are on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Here is the home of Uzbekistan’s national fabrics: silk-and-cotton adras as well as pure silk called khan atlas.
Beyond heritage cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, Uzbekistan is promoting new forms of tourism – eco-tourism, mountain and winter resorts, pilgrimage/ziyarat tourism, culinary tourism, and regionally-distributed destinations. This diversification spreads benefits and reduces seasonal and geographical risk.
The government has set ambitious targets that reflect this comprehensive approach. The government reports show that Uzbekistan welcomed over ten million foreign visitors in 2024, marking a significant milestone in the sector’s recovery and growth. The government has also introduced ambitious targets: earlier goals to reach fifteen million foreign tourists by 2030 have been surpassed or accelerated.
Strategic Regional Partnerships Boost Connectivity
As expected, neighboring countries continue to be primary source markets: Kyrgyzstan leading the pack with 1,280,100 visitors (Jan-May 2025), nearly doubling its 2023 figures. Tajikistan is contributing significantly with 993,700 visitors. Kazakhstan follows closely with 889,600 visitors. These regional partnerships form the foundation of Uzbekistan’s tourism success.
However, the country is successfully diversifying its visitor base beyond immediate neighbors. Beyond its immediate neighbors, Uzbekistan is successfully attracting tourists from further afield: Russia, with a substantial 334,300 visitors. China is witnessing dramatic growth, increasing more than fivefold from early 2023 to 51,900 visitors in Jan-May 2025. Turkey, India, and Italy also showed significant increases, indicating a broader international appeal.
Cross-border initiatives are creating seamless travel experiences. Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan have launched a groundbreaking visa-free border trade zone at Shavat–Dashoguz, a move set to revolutionize regional commerce and tourism. This pioneering initiative eliminates traditional travel barriers, enabling citizens of both nations to freely engage in trade and tourism. The new zone, spanning six hectares and equipped with essential infrastructure like customs and warehouse facilities, is designed to foster smoother cross-border exchanges.
Economic Impact Creates Sustainable Growth Model
Tourism contributes only 3.3 percent to Uzbekistan’s GDP in 2023, but this figure masks the sector’s rapid growth trajectory and multiplier effects throughout the economy. In 2023, tourism generated about $2.1 billion in economic activity, and some 70,000 new jobs were created in the sector.
The Travel & Tourism market in Uzbekistan is projected to see a revenue of US$526.99m by 2025. This is expected to grow annually at a rate of 10.61% (CAGR 2025-2030), resulting in a market volume of US$872.59m by 2030. These projections demonstrate the sector’s potential to become a major economic pillar.
The ripple effects extend throughout the economy, from handicraft producers in ancient bazaars to modern hotel chains. Plying his trade each day at the 16th-century Toqi Zargaron trading dome in Bukhara, Kamolov peddles wares such as traditional knives and scissors to locals and international visitors, mostly from Russia, France, and Italy. Kamolov’s business has benefited not only from a growing influx of foreign visitors in recent years but also from eased customs rules that have made it easier to ship his products out of the country.
Digital Innovation and Marketing Excellence
The upcoming unified travel platform will be a game-changer. It will offer: Real-time availability for domestic and regional routes, addressing one of the most persistent challenges for both domestic and international travelers. One of the biggest challenges for tourists – both foreign and domestic – has been the inaccessibility of domestic transport tickets. Flights and trains are frequently sold out months in advance, with some routes fully booked for up to six months. This bottleneck not only frustrates travelers but also risks undermining the tourism gains seen in 2024 and 2025.
The government’s marketing approach has become increasingly sophisticated and targeted. The “Year of Uzbekistan Tourism in China” in late 2024 is a prime example of targeted marketing. These focused campaigns have yielded impressive results, particularly in the Chinese market, where visitor numbers increased more than fivefold.
It is projected that 88% of the total revenue in the Travel & Tourism market will be generated through online sales by 2030, reflecting the country’s embrace of digital tourism technologies and platforms.
Looking Forward: A New Era for Central Asian Tourism
Uzbekistan’s transformation from an isolated post-Soviet republic to a global tourism destination represents one of the most remarkable success stories in modern travel. According to the World Economic Forum, between 2019 and 2024, Uzbekistan moved up 16 places (+7.8%) in the Travel & Tourism Development Index, now ranking 78th out of 119 countries.
The country’s approach serves as a model for other emerging destinations. With support from the highest levels of government, the country is making bold moves to upgrade its tourism offerings, expand access, and position itself as a top-tier travel destination in Central Asia. In doing so, Uzbekistan is not just exporting tourists – it is exporting culture, hospitality, and opportunity, while welcoming the world to share in its unfolding journey.
As visa barriers continue to fall and infrastructure improvements accelerate, Uzbekistan is positioning itself not just as the Silk Road capital of Central Asia, but as a must-visit destination for 21st-century travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences combined with modern amenities and accessibility.