Uzbekistan Unveils Tourism Reforms to Drive Sector Growth, Targeting Twenty Million Visitors and Seven Percent GDP Contribution by 2030 Through Strategic Investments

Image generated with Ai

The Republic of Uzbekistan has come up with a thorough roadmap to foster growth in its tourism industry, intending to position itself as one of the fastest-growing countries in terms of tourism. The roadmap, which is being implemented under the leadership of Abdulaziz Akkulov, Chairman of the Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan, outlines clear goals until 2030 to promote economic development, global recognition, and scale of the industry.

This roadmap was inspired by Presidential Resolution No. RP-348, which came into effect in November 2025. This resolution formed the Tourism Committee and set some goals to be achieved in the coming decade. One of the goals set forth by the document is a rise in the contribution made by the tourism industry to the GDP of the country by up to 7%, a growth in international visits to 20 million per year, and an expansion in tourism service exports exceeding USD 6 billion.

Project-Driven Infrastructure as a Catalyst for Tourism Growth

Uzbekistan’s approach links infrastructure development directly to tourism sector expansion. The Tourism Committee has adopted a structured project management methodology, connecting destination appeal, infrastructure quality, entrepreneurial participation, promotion, and visitor experience into a single growth chain. This ensures that expansion in visitor numbers coincides with enhanced service standards, diversified offerings, and sustainable growth.

Master plans are being prepared for 34 major tourism sites, with 31 new facilities under development to broaden the country’s portfolio beyond traditional Silk Road cities. Projects such as the Kipchak Fishing Village in Karakalpakstan exemplify efforts to diversify offerings and stimulate regional tourism sector growth. Specialized institutions under the Tourism Committee will oversee infrastructure development and tourism product innovation, aligning public investment with strategic economic objectives.

Significant Investment Boosts Capacity and Economic Contribution

Nearly 950 billion Uzbek soums are being mobilized this year to upgrade roads, utilities, sanitation, and public spaces, while expanding access to emerging destinations. In tandem, the accommodation sector is expected to grow to 8,250 properties with 95,000 rooms, enabling Uzbekistan to meet rising domestic and international demand.

These infrastructure improvements are not only designed to enhance the visitor experience but also to stimulate sector growth, create employment in hospitality, construction, and services, and generate multiplier effects across related industries such as dining, entertainment, and transportation. Strengthening the tourism sector in this way directly supports Uzbekistan’s economic diversification strategy.

Diversifying Tourism Products to Drive Industry Expansion

Uzbekistan is leveraging changing global travel trends to accelerate tourism sector growth. Increasing numbers of travelers now seek immersive experiences in gastronomy, culture, and nature. In response, the country is promoting niche segments such as ecotourism, ethnographic tourism, pilgrimage travel, medical tourism, sports, and MICE tourism, positioning itself as a multi-dimensional destination.

This diversification allows less-visited regions to benefit economically, distributing growth beyond historic hubs like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. By aligning product development with international demand, Uzbekistan strengthens the tourism sector’s resilience and ensures long-term expansion.

Expanding Global Reach to Fuel Sector Growth

Increasing international visibility is central to the growth agenda. Uzbekistan has expanded collaborations with global travel platforms such as Expedia Group, Amadeus, and Trip.com to broaden distribution channels, simplify bookings, and enhance marketing efficiency.

Familiarisation trips for foreign tour operators and international media continue to target strategic markets including the United Kingdom, United States, and Australia, helping Uzbekistan attract high-value travelers. These efforts not only raise the country’s profile but also reinforce tourism sector growth by increasing arrivals, length of stay, and average expenditure per visitor.

Early Results Confirm Positive Trajectory

Recent statistics demonstrate that reforms are already driving sectoral growth. In the first four months of 2026, Uzbekistan welcomed 4 million international visitors, a 30% increase year-on-year. Tourism exports reached USD 1.6 billion, underscoring the sector’s growing contribution to national GDP. Domestic travel remains robust, with millions of internal trips sustaining demand during seasonal fluctuations.

These early results indicate that combining strategic investment, infrastructure upgrades, and product diversification accelerates the tourism sector’s economic impact, while generating employment and boosting related industries.

Projected Impact on Uzbekistan’s Tourism Economy

Looking ahead, Uzbekistan’s tourism reforms are expected to transform the sector into a major driver of national economic growth. By 2030, the country aims to integrate visitor increases, expanded service exports, and rising accommodation capacity to significantly elevate GDP contribution. The government’s focus on sustainable and diversified development ensures that growth benefits multiple regions, promotes local entrepreneurship, and reinforces sector competitiveness on the global stage.

The alignment of infrastructure investment, institutional innovation, and international partnerships positions Uzbekistan to achieve robust tourism sector growth, attracting a wide array of travelers while enhancing long-term economic resilience. With sustained funding and strategic oversight, the tourism sector is set to become a key pillar of Uzbekistan’s economy.

Uzbekistan’s Tourism Sector: A Model for Strategic Growth

By integrating investment, development of infrastructure, diversifying the tourism offerings, and forming strategic alliances with other nations, Uzbekistan aims at fostering sustainable growth in the industry. The integration of these approaches towards the achievement of specific economic outcomes indicates that the tourism sector is contributing significantly to the GDP, jobs, and exports.

With the changing travel trends, Uzbekistan’s strategy to emphasize luxurious, experience-based, and specialty tourism provides a solid foundation for future success. The vision to the year 2030 highlights the potential of the tourism sector not just as an aspiration, but as a roadmap towards becoming an engine for economic growth.