Uzbekistan has set an ambitious goal of welcoming 20 million international tourists by 2030, placing tourism at the centre of its long term economic development strategy. The objective is outlined in the updated Uzbekistan 2030 roadmap, which identifies tourism as a strategic growth sector capable of generating investment, employment, and international visibility.
Under the plan, the government aims to double tourism’s contribution to gross domestic product, increasing it from the current 3.5% to 7% by the end of the decade. The expansion of the sector is expected to drive economic diversification, improve service quality, and create new jobs across the country.
Strong growth provides a solid foundation
Uzbekistan’s long term ambitions are supported by strong recent performance. According to the latest analytical data from UN Tourism, Uzbekistan ranked among the seven fastest growing tourism destinations worldwide in 2025.
International arrivals between January and September 2025 increased by 73% compared with the same period in 2019, placing Uzbekistan well ahead of the global recovery trend. Over the same period, global international travel volumes rose by an average of around 5%, highlighting the scale of Uzbekistan’s expansion.
Year on year growth has also remained robust. During the first nine months of 2025, international tourist arrivals increased by 13% compared with 2024, making Uzbekistan one of the fastest growing destinations in the wider European and Eurasian tourism region.
Record visitor numbers and rising revenues
National tourism statistics reflect this momentum. More than 10.7 million foreign tourists visited Uzbekistan during the first eleven months of 2025, the highest figure ever recorded.
From April onwards, monthly international arrivals exceeded one million for the first time in the country’s history, signalling a structural shift in demand rather than a temporary post pandemic rebound. Tourism revenues followed a similar upward trajectory, with exports of tourism services surpassing USD 4.4 billion.
By 2030, Uzbekistan aims to raise annual tourism exports to more than USD 6 billion, supported by a broader range of services and a stronger focus on higher spending visitors.
#Uzbekistan sets ambitious tourism goals for 2030✈️
— Uzbekistan Tourism (@Uzbek_Tourism) January 18, 2026
Tourism’s GDP share to reach 7%, visitors to hit 20M, exports $6B+,🚄 faster travel, &🏨more 4–5⭐hotels. Bold step toward making🇺🇿 leading #SilkRoad destination🌏
🔗 https://t.co/PlKG5mkfyz#VisitUzbekistan #TourismUzbekistan pic.twitter.com/ODKx72JIPu
Infrastructure development as a growth driver
Infrastructure investment is a cornerstone of the 2030 strategy. Authorities plan to improve transport connectivity between key tourist cities, increase the number of domestic flights, and significantly reduce travel times across the country.
Accommodation capacity is also set to expand. Plans include doubling the number of four and five star hotels, strengthening Uzbekistan’s ability to meet rising international demand while improving overall service standards.
These measures are designed to support higher visitor volumes, longer stays, and increased tourism spending.
🏨 A new 5⭐ #Ramada by #Wyndham hotel has opened in #Nukus, #Karakalpakstan 🇺🇿 — boosting #Uzbekistan’s hospitality sector!
— Uzbekistan Tourism (@Uzbek_Tourism) December 25, 2025
✨ 120 rooms, 122 new jobs & world-class comfort — supporting the goal to double 4–5⭐ hotels by 2030
🔗 https://t.co/LyVsPQgDd5#Tourism #VisitUzbekistan pic.twitter.com/YcShP22nDx
Diversification beyond traditional heritage routes
While historic cities such as Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva remain central to Uzbekistan’s tourism appeal, diversification is playing an increasingly important role.
Eco tourism, gastronomic tourism, and rural travel experiences are gaining traction, attracting visitors to mountain regions, agricultural landscapes, and lesser known destinations. Interest from long haul markets is also growing, indicating a shift from a primarily regional destination to a fully global one.
This diversification is helping to distribute tourism benefits more evenly across the country while reducing pressure on heavily visited UNESCO listed sites.
Building a globally recognisable and sustainable tourism brand
A core element of the Uzbekistan 2030 strategy is the creation of a globally recognisable tourism brand aligned with long term sustainability objectives. Authorities plan to deploy modern digital marketing tools, strengthen international promotion, and reposition Uzbekistan as a prestigious and competitive destination on the global tourism market.
Visa liberalisation, improved air connectivity, and sustained investment in tourism services have already played a key role in accelerating growth. These efforts are now being complemented by a broader focus on higher value tourism, product diversification, and the protection of cultural and natural heritage.
With international arrivals already exceeding 11 million annually, Uzbekistan’s ambition to reach 20 million international tourists by 2030 reflects confidence in a strategy that balances expansion with quality and sustainability. As infrastructure continues to improve and tourism offerings diversify, the country appears well positioned to consolidate its status as one of the world’s fastest growing tourism destinations, while embedding tourism as a long term engine of economic growth.
