Uzbekistan is shifting its tourism strategy from attracting larger numbers of visitors to encouraging longer stays and higher spending, as the country records rapid growth in international arrivals and expands its global air connectivity.
Official figures show that foreign tourist trips increased from 6.63 million in 2023 to 7.96 million in 2024. Preliminary data for 2025 indicate arrivals climbed to 11.68 million, representing a 46.8% increase compared with the previous year.
The rise in visitor numbers has also boosted tourism earnings. According to figures released by the Uzbek presidency, exports of tourism services increased from $2.14 billion in 2023 to $3.52 billion in 2024 before reaching $4.8 billion in 2025.
Officials say the next stage of growth will focus on attracting visitors from long-haul markets and encouraging them to spend more during their trips.
“Our strategic priority is to attract more long-haul travellers from Europe, Asia and the Americas, while developing joint regional tourism packages with neighbouring countries,” said Abdulaziz Akkulov, chairman of Uzbekistan’s Tourism Committee.
He said the government is seeking not only to increase visitor numbers but also to attract travellers who contribute more to the economy through higher spending.
Uzbekistan has long been known for its Silk Road cities, including Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. Tourism authorities now want visitors to explore other regions as part of longer itineraries that extend beyond the country’s best-known heritage sites.
To support the sector, the government introduced new incentives in June, including subsidies for tour operators and airlines to attract international visitors. Hotels and tourism businesses are also eligible for a 50% value-added tax refund during the summer season.
Improving air connectivity is another key part of the country’s tourism plans.
Uzbekistan Airways has expanded its fleet from 26 aircraft five years ago to 45 today, serving both domestic and international destinations.
Shukhrat Yadgarov, the airline’s deputy chairman for commerce and tourism, said the carrier has also signed an agreement to purchase 14 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, with options for eight additional aircraft. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2031 as part of the airline’s long-term expansion strategy.
Officials believe more direct international flights will make Uzbekistan more accessible to visitors from Europe, Asia, North America and the Middle East while supporting multi-country travel across Central Asia.
Authorities are also investing in domestic transport infrastructure to help tourists travel more easily within the country. Plans include expanding high-speed rail services, developing new airports and improving transport links to regions beyond the capital.
At the same time, Uzbekistan Airways aims to establish Tashkent as a major transit hub connecting Europe, Asia, the Middle East and North America. Officials believe stronger aviation links will not only increase tourism but also encourage business travel and foreign investment, strengthening Uzbekistan’s role as a regional gateway.
