Uzbekistan ranked among the world’s fastest-growing tourism destinations

Based on the latest data from the World Tourism Barometer published by UN Tourism, Uzbekistan has ranked among the top five countries with the highest growth rates in attracting foreign tourists from January to March 2026. The number of international visitors to the country increased by 37% compared to 2025, reflecting the country’s continued strengthening of its position on the global tourism stage.

The volume of international travel worldwide increased by an average of 2%, reaching 307 million travelers. This is 6 million more than in the same period of 2025.

Against the backdrop of global trends, Uzbekistan is showing even more remarkable growth in activity. Last year, the country set a new record by welcoming nearly 11.7 million foreign tourists in 12 months. In the first five months of this year, over 5.3 million visitors have already arrived.

Experts link this growth to the expansion of the visa-free regime, improvements in transport infrastructure, and efforts to promote the country’s potential internationally. The number of hotels, industrial firms, and service facilities is rising rapidly, contributing to improved tourism service quality.

Safety, affordable prices for travelers, and rich historical and cultural heritage remain significant advantages. Traditional hotspots like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva remain highly popular, but in recent years there has been rising interest in ecotourism, gastronomic tourism, and adventure tourism.

The rising number of tourists from non-regional countries shows that Uzbekistan is steadily establishing itself not only as a regional but also as an international tourist destination. Experts note that sustaining these growth rates will foster the industry’s continued development and enhance its impact on the national economy.

Aziza Alimova, UzA