Expanding the Tourism Industry
Located in the heart of Central Asia, Uzbekistan boasts a rich cultural and historical heritage, friendly people, delicious cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes. With its tourism sector identified as a high-growth industry, the Uzbek government has undertaken significant reforms to open the country to foreign visitors.
For many years, Uzbekistan remained relatively closed to tourists, but today, it is actively developing its infrastructure and hospitality sector. The country will host the 25th session of the General Assembly of the UN World Tourism Organization in Samarkand from October 16-20, 2023—a testament to its growing role in global tourism.
New Tourism Developments
The International Touristic Center "Great Silk Road", inaugurated in Samarkand in August 2023, is a major step in Uzbekistan’s tourism expansion. This complex includes:
Eight hotels
A conference center
The “Eternal City” cultural complex
An amphitheater
Additional tourism facilities
With the capacity to serve up to 2 million tourists annually, this development is expected to transform Samarkand into a leading destination.
Tourism Recovery and Growth Targets
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted Uzbekistan's tourism sector, but the country is on the path to recovery.
2019 (Pre-Pandemic): 6.75 million foreign tourists
2021: 1.88 million tourists
2022: 5.2 million tourists
2024 (Target): 7 million tourists and $2.5 billion in tourism revenue
As of August 2023, Uzbekistan offers visa-free entry to citizens of 90 countries and e-visas for 56 countries, including the United States.
Investment in Tourism Infrastructure
Recognizing the potential of the tourism industry, President Mirziyoyev allocated $100 million in February 2021 for infrastructure development. Key initiatives include:
Subsidizing the construction of three- and four-star hotels with at least 50 rooms
Increasing the total number of hotel rooms from 20,200 (2018) to 64,000 (2025)
Extending subsidies for hotel construction and franchise royalties for well-known hotel brands until 2026
Listing investment projects worth $630.1 million for sector development
Growing Demand for Pilgrimage Tourism
Uzbekistan is positioning itself as a major destination for pilgrimage tourism, ranking 13th in the Global Muslim Travel Index 2023. With over 1,200 shrines, the country has the potential to attract 1 million pilgrims annually. Key developments include:
Khiva named the 2024 Tourism Capital of the Islamic World
Increased flight connections with Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Middle East
Training of specialized guides for pilgrimage tourism
Airport Expansion and Aviation Liberalization
To accommodate the rising number of tourists, Uzbekistan is modernizing its airport infrastructure. In 2019, Uzbekistan Airports separated from Uzbekistan Airways and now manages 11 international airports. Key projects include:
A partnership with Changi International Airports (Singapore) to develop Tashkent International Airport
The expansion of Tashkent International Airport, doubling its capacity to 2,400 passengers per hour by the end of 2023
Opening of the new Samarkand Airport in March 2022, now operating in an “open sky” mode
Additionally, the country is gradually liberalizing its aviation market. As of August 2023, Uzbekistan has eight resident airlines, including:
Uzbekistan Airways
Silk Avia
Qanot Sharq
Panorama Airways
Humo Air
Centrum Air
Asia Union Airlines
Tashkent Air
To boost domestic travel, resident airlines receive a 25% subsidy on domestic flight ticket prices until 2026.
Investment Opportunities in Hospitality and Infrastructure
Foreign investors will find major opportunities in Uzbekistan’s hospitality sector. While international hotel brands are concentrated in Tashkent, demand is rising in key tourist cities such as Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva—the historic gems of the Silk Road.
Government Incentives for Investors
Public-Private Partnerships for airport management
Exemptions from customs duties
50% reduction in income and property taxes for three years
Additionally, Uzbekistan's expansion of short- and medium-haul aircraft fleets presents business opportunities for manufacturers.
How to Get Involved
Businesses interested in Uzbekistan’s tourism industry can connect with key organizations such as:
State Tourism Development Committee
Uzbekistan Airways
Uzbekistan Airports
Ministry of Transport
With ambitious goals and strong government support, Uzbekistan is emerging as a premier travel destination in Central Asia. Now is the perfect time to explore its potential!