The Republic of Uzbekistan, with its rich and diverse cultural and natural heritage, has every opportunity to become one of the key players in the global tourism market. In recent years, the Government of Uzbekistan has been taking bold efforts on the development of the tourism industry, recognizing its essential role in the national economy.
Since 2017, Uzbekistan has adopted more than 30 Presidential and Government resolutions and acts aimed at supporting different aspects of tourism. These documents address a wide range of issues, from improving infrastructure and creating tourism clusters to liberalizing visa policy and attracting foreign investment in the industry.
The Strategy «Uzbekistan – 2030» also calls for the implementation of a number of key tasks intended for creating broad conditions to develop tourism sector, in particular to expand tourism flow from other countries.
First of all, modern accommodation facilities are being created. There are currently more than 5,250 accommodation facilities in Uzbekistan with around 155 thousand beds in total. Boutique hotels, hostels, and family guest houses are also being launched all over the country – their accommodation capacity has reached up to 3,200.
New types of services are being offered to move towards all-seasons tourism, including winter and adventure tourism. Today, two tourism-recreational zones are created («Charvak» and «Zomin»), with three more under construction («Shahrisabz», «Maydanak», and «Okhalik-Okbuyro-Mironkul»). For the integrated development of territories with high tourist potential we are working to improve their infrastructure based on master planning.
In addition, numerous benefits and preferences have also been introduced to provide state support for building accommodation facilities and improving service quality. Until January 1, 2026, part of the investors’ expenses for constructing and equipping new hotels is reimbursed from the state budget, amounting up to $3,800 per room for three-star hotels, and $6,200 per room for four and five-star hotels. The Government also partially finances costs for royalties of well-known and prestigious hotel brands represented in the TOP-50 hotel brands and TOP-5 hotel chains.
The network of air-connections is rapidly expanding, in particular, through increasing the participation of budget airlines (low-cost carriers) for foreign tourists both within the country and abroad. Currently, the number of flights to Uzbekistan from various countries has been increased to about 1,100 annually, involving over 40 national and foreign air-carriers. These figures significantly exceed those of previous years.
Foreign consulting companies are engaged in the modernization of tourism industry, in particular in introducing international management and service standards, elaborating tourism development strategies, and increasing the country’s recognition as favorable tourist destination. Cooperation with such companies like McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group, Deloitte, PWC, JLL, KPMG, Euromonitor, etc., helps Uzbekistan to adopt the best international practices in the sector.
The creation of unique tourism products allows attracting different types of tourist groups. In the near future, ecotourism and agricultural tourism are emerging as key tourism areas for Uzbekistan. The country possesses significant natural resources, from the majestic Tien Shan mountains to deserts and green oases. Ecotourism and agricultural are becoming more and more popular, especially among those who are looking for exclusive opportunities for nature-based tourism.
Gastronomic tourism is also advancing, it could include not only tasting local cuisine but also organizing cultural events and festivals dedicated to national cuisine, which will help strengthen interest in Uzbekistan as a country with vibrant traditions and amazing culinary recipes.
The country has over 1,200 religious shrines which creates incredible opportunities for the promotion of pilgrimage tourism. Uzbekistan can rightfully be called a crossroads of religions, with architectural structures reflecting Buddhist, Christian, and Muslim influences. This adds another potential million tourists annually.
Tourism industry represents a significant potential for sustainable economic growth in Uzbekistan. Last year, this sector generated about $2 billion revenues in total, while in 2024 this mark has already been overcome by August (within 8 months). With the right concept and support from the Government and the international community, the country has all the prerequisites to become one of the leading tourist destinations on a global level. The «Best Tourism Destination 2024» award by Lonely Planet and «The Most Desirable Emerging Destination for 2024» award by prestigious Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards confirms that Uzbekistan has taken the correct tourism development strategy.