Russian tour operators report rising demand for tours to Uzbekistan
Russian tourists are increasingly selecting Uzbekistan for autumn trips. The Russian Union of Travel Industry reports that tour sales to Uzbekistan this autumn rose by up to 65% compared with the same period last year.
The most popular choices include classic sightseeing routes in Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, as well as brief city tours.
Intourist reported a 15% year-on-year rise in demand for sightseeing tours to Uzbekistan from September to November. One popular option is the six-day tour, “To the Heart of Tamerlane’s Empire”. The tour operator also launched new products, including a three-day city tour called “Tashkent for the Weekend”.
Alean reported even stronger growth, with bookings for Uzbekistan tours this autumn up 65% compared to last year. The company credits this rise to expanding its tour variety and hotel options.
Russian tourists prefer hotels in Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, including those run by international chains. Seven- to eight-day multi-city tours are most popular. Gastronomic and cultural excursions are also gaining popularity. The Russian Union of Travel Industry reports that sightseeing tour prices to Uzbekistan have risen by about 5-10% in the past year.
The expansion of direct air routes has helped increase tourist flows. Notably, Centrum Air has introduced flights from Tashkent to Yekaterinburg, Ufa, and Perm.
Uzbekistan continues to attract strong interest from the Russian tourism sector, and growing air links and tourism offerings are creating more opportunities to increase travel between the two countries.
Aziza Alimova, UzA
