In January-February 2026, Uzbekistan received nearly 1.77 million foreign tourists, an increase of 441,000 people or 33% compared to the same period last year. The statistical data indicates a significant surge in tourist arrivals, reflecting ongoing efforts to boost the country's appeal as a destination.

The primary influx of visitors was traditionally driven by neighboring states. Kyrgyzstan led with over 521,000 visits, followed by Tajikistan (469,000) and Kazakhstan (386,000). These countries are Uzbekistan's closest partners, facilitated by eased border procedures and historical ties that encourage cross-border travel.

The top ten countries by tourist numbers also included Russia (123,000), Afghanistan (83,000), Turkmenistan (51,000), China (49,000), Turkey (24,000), India (9,000), and South Korea (5,000). These figures highlight Uzbekistan's growing presence on the regional and global tourism map, though challenges in infrastructure and service quality persist.

The growth in tourist flow is linked to simplified visa procedures, an expanded visa-free regime, modernization of transport and hotel infrastructure, and the promotion of Uzbekistan's tourism brand internationally. However, issues such as inadequate infrastructure and inconsistent service standards could hinder future growth, raising concerns about sustainability.

Additionally, over one million Uzbek tourists traveled abroad in the first two months of 2026, an increase of 49,300 compared to last year. This points to a balance between inbound and outbound tourism, but economic pressures and rising costs may make this trend unstable, potentially straining the domestic economy.

Source: podrobno.uz