Uzbekistan has emerged as one of the fastest-growing international travel destinations, with the United Nations World Tourism Organization reporting substantial increases in visitor arrivals and sustained momentum through 2025. These developments reflect a period of rapid expansion in foreign tourism that has surpassed national goals and is reshaping the Central Asian republic’s place on the global tourism map.
According to tourism authorities, Uzbekistan exceeded its target of attracting ten million tourists in 2025, welcoming around 10.7 million foreign visitors by November and generating significant revenue in tourism services. This performance positions the country among the top seven fastest-growing destinations worldwide, with total international arrivals up 73 per cent compared with 2019 levels. The notable surge has been attributed to long-term state planning, including enhancements to visa policy and promotional strategies, with the average length of stay also increasing as tourists extend their visits beyond previous norms.
The growth has been supported by a range of reforms intended to make Uzbekistan more accessible to global travellers. This includes expanding visa-free entry for citizens of numerous countries and the introduction of electronic visa systems to streamline travel authorisations. Alongside policy changes, substantial new accommodation has been developed and local tourism infrastructure expanded, contributing to the creation of more than 16,000 jobs and the licensing of additional travel companies to meet rising demand. The tourism committee also reports an increase in domestic tourism, indicating rising interest among Uzbek nationals in exploring their own country.
