Uzbekistan Tourism Sees Major Growth in 2025 with More than Ten Million International Visitors and Nearly Twenty-Four Million Domestic Trips, Driven by its Infrastructure and New Initiatives

Published on December 7, 2025

Uzbekistan tourism sector recorded remarkable growth in 2025, with the country receiving a record 10.7 million foreign visitors over the first 11 months of the year. Compared to last year, this has increased substantially and reflects the country’s growing appeal as a global tourism destination. Such an increase in visitor numbers consequently supported the dramatic rise in the export of tourism services, which reached an impressive $4.4 billion in 2025.

Strategic promotion efforts, visa-free regimes, and development of transportation infrastructure have combined to fuel this growth, making Uzbekistan increasingly accessible to international travellers. This growth has also been supported by the commitment of the country towards tourism as a key sector of the national economy.

Domestic Tourism Shows Impressive Growth

In addition to the surge in international tourism, domestic tourism in Uzbekistan has also flourished. The “Travel Across Uzbekistan” program, launched to encourage local tourism, resulted in 23.7 million domestic trips—a figure that exceeded the planned target for the year. This growth reflects the increasing interest of Uzbek citizens in exploring their own country and experiencing its diverse historical sites, natural landscapes, and cultural heritage.

This trend underscores the importance of tourism as not only a major economic driver for the country but also a tool for fostering national pride and cultural exchange within the population. The program’s success highlights the growing domestic interest in exploring Uzbekistan’s regions and promoting local tourism.

Accelerated Development of Tourism Infrastructure

To support the growing demand for tourism services, Uzbekistan has been rapidly expanding its tourism infrastructure. A significant development in 2025 included the opening of 954 new accommodation facilities, increasing the total number of accommodation establishments to 6,861. This expansion added 183,900 new accommodation spaces, allowing the country to meet the increasing demand for quality lodging and ensure that visitors have access to comfortable and diverse options across the country.

Additionally, 662 new tourism organizations and travel agencies were established, helping to provide a broader range of tourism services and improve the overall tourism ecosystem in the country. Uzbekistan has also focused on training and certifying a new generation of tourism professionals, with 4,345 guides now operating nationwide, and 375 new guides being trained during the year. This training effort ensures that visitors are guided by knowledgeable, well-trained professionals who can offer a deeper connection to Uzbekistan’s rich cultural heritage.

Supporting the Tourism Sector with Investment and Jobs

The government’s proactive measures to support the tourism sector have had a direct impact on the development of the industry. Hundreds of sanitation and hygiene facilities were renovated to enhance the overall visitor experience, ensuring that Uzbekistan remains an attractive and comfortable destination. In addition, the country implemented 421 investment projects, contributing to the creation of more than 6,000 new jobs in the tourism sector alone.

These investments not only bolster the infrastructure required to accommodate growing tourist numbers but also create employment opportunities for local communities, supporting sustainable tourism growth and strengthening Uzbekistan’s position in the global tourism market.

Tourism as a Key Driver of Economic Growth

The impressive growth of Uzbekistan’s tourism sector highlights its increasing role as a key driver of economic growth. The sector’s expansion is not only contributing to higher foreign exchange earnings but also generating new opportunities in areas such as hospitality, transportation, and cultural heritage industries.

As Uzbekistan continues to build its tourism infrastructure, increase the number of international connections, and promote its natural wonders and cultural landmarks, the country is positioned to become a more significant player in the global tourism market.

Future Impact: Tourism’s Role in Expanding Uzbekistan’s Global Reach

Looking ahead, Uzbekistan’s tourism sector is expected to continue its growth, supported by new services, routes, and enhanced tourism offerings. With the country’s focus on cultural preservation, sustainable development, and promoting local experiences, tourism will remain one of the leading sectors in Uzbekistan’s economic diversification.

The government’s ongoing efforts to attract international visitors, combined with the continued development of the country’s tourism infrastructure, will make Uzbekistan a must-visit destination for travelers from around the world. By enhancing the tourism experience for both international and domestic visitors, Uzbekistan is positioning itself for future economic growth driven by sustainable tourism. The growing demand for eco-tourism, cultural tourism, and adventure tourism in Uzbekistan will provide significant opportunities for tourism professionals and local businesses, creating a multiplier effect that benefits various sectors of the economy.

Uzbekistan’s Tourism Sector is Poised for Long-Term Growth

The success of the tourism initiatives in Uzbekistan is reflected by the 2025 results, which indicate the increasing importance of tourism as a driver of economic growth. Together with increasing foreign visitors and growth in domestic tourism, fast-rising tourism infrastructure guarantees further years of explosive growth. As Uzbekistan’s tourism sector matures, it will assume an increasingly pivotal role in shaping the country’s economic future, offering sustainable employment, driving regional development, and fueling global cultural exchange.