Tourism in Uzbekistan

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Tourism represents a substantial and fast-growing sector of the economy of Uzbekistan. The government of Uzbekistan under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has invested heavily in developing tourism as a high-growth potential industry, resulting in an increase in international arrivals from approximately 1 million in 2016 to 7 million in 2023.^[1][2]

Uzbekistan's most-visited tourist sites are associated with the history of the Silk Road, particularly the cities of Bukhara, Khiva, and Samarkand. The Registan ensemble in Samarkand, a complex of three madrasahs dating from the 15-17th centuries situated around the city's historic central square, is one of Uzbekistan's most-visited landmarks, attracting more than 1 million visitors in 2022.^[3] Uzbekistan is home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the historical centres of Bukhara, Samarkand, and Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of Amir Timur; as well as the Ichan Qala (lit. "inner fortress"), the walled centre of Khiva.^[4] While most visitors cited interest in Uzbekistan's historical-architectural sites and culture,^[5] the government of Uzbekistan and tourism organizations are also working to develop other tourism areas, such as ecotourism and pilgrimage tourism.^[6][7]

The government of Uzbekistan continues to invest in both developing tourism-related infrastructure, and marketing Uzbekistan as a tourism destination. The Samarkand International Airport was completely reconstructed in 2022 to triple its capacity,^[8] and renovations of the Tashkent International Airport are ongoing as of 2024.^[9] Uzbekistan's Ministry of Culture and Tourism has partnered with international media, streaming services, and social media influencers to promote the country's tourism potential.^[10]