Uzbekistan recorded a sharp rise in international tourism during the first half of 2026, welcoming 6,565,410 foreign citizens for tourism purposes between January and June. The figure was 24.9% higher than the corresponding period of 2025, representing an increase of around 1.3 million visitors. The growth has been powered primarily by nearby markets, with Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Russia accounting for the largest shares of Uzbekistan’s inbound tourism. The latest official figures underline the continuing importance of regional connectivity to the country’s tourism expansion.
Uzbekistan Crosses 6.5 Million Tourist Arrivals
The first-half result gives Uzbekistan a strong foundation for another year of tourism growth.
According to the National Statistics Committee, 6,565,410 foreign citizens visited Uzbekistan for tourism purposes in January-June 2026. The 24.9% increase came despite the already high visitor volumes recorded in recent years.
The scale becomes clearer when compared with the country’s longer-term performance. Uzbekistan welcomed 6.6 million foreign tourists in 2023, more than 10 million in 2024 and 11.7 million in 2025, according to the Tourism Committee.
The latest growth therefore forms part of a broader expansion rather than a one-off increase.
Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan And Tajikistan Lead The Market
Central Asian neighbours remain the backbone of Uzbekistan’s inbound tourism market.
Kyrgyzstan generated the largest number of tourist arrivals during the first half of 2026, with 1,875,332 visitors. Kazakhstan followed with 1,553,688, while Tajikistan contributed 1,471,670.
Together, these three markets accounted for almost 4.9 million arrivals during the six-month period. Their combined contribution highlights the importance of geographic proximity, established transport links and cross-border travel within Central Asia.
Russia was the fourth-largest source market, recording 585,558 tourist arrivals.
The four markets together generated more than 4.4 million visitors, making them central to Uzbekistan’s current international tourism performance.
Russia Remains A Major Source Of Visitors
Russia’s position is particularly significant because it gives Uzbekistan a major long-haul regional market beyond its immediate Central Asian neighbours.
Russian visitors accounted for nearly 586,000 tourism-related arrivals in the first half of 2026. The figure places Russia comfortably among Uzbekistan’s most important international source markets.
The market also complements Uzbekistan’s growing connections with China, Türkiye, India and European destinations.
The National Statistics Committee reported that China supplied 223,479 tourists during the same period, while Türkiye contributed 95,466 and India 26,450. Germany recorded 22,294 visitors.
This combination of neighbouring markets and more distant source countries is helping Uzbekistan broaden its international tourism base.
Tourism Growth Extends Beyond Tashkent
Although Tashkent remains the country’s primary international gateway and largest urban centre, Uzbekistan’s tourism proposition is increasingly spread across several destinations.
Samarkand continues to anchor the country’s Silk Road tourism offer, with its monumental architecture and historic Registan Square providing one of Central Asia’s most recognisable cultural attractions.
Bukhara offers another major heritage centre, while Khiva provides visitors with the walled historic environment of Itchan Kala. Beyond these established destinations, Uzbekistan is also developing tourism in mountain, rural and regional areas.
This diversification is important as the country seeks to increase visitor spending and encourage tourists to stay longer rather than concentrating travel around a small number of cities.
Air Connectivity Supports The Expansion
Tourism growth is also being accompanied by an expansion in international aviation.
Uzbekistan’s Tourism Committee reported that the country’s airports handled 8.15 million passengers during January-June 2026, an increase of 16% compared with the same period in 2025.
The country’s airports handled 64,831 flights during those six months, including 47,371 international flights. International flight operations were 12% higher year over year.
For tourism, improved air connectivity creates an important link between rising destination awareness and actual visitor arrivals.
Tashkent International Airport remains the principal gateway for international travellers, while Samarkand and other airports provide additional access for visitors travelling directly into Uzbekistan’s tourism regions.
Uzbekistan Steps Up International Tourism Promotion
The government is also pursuing a broader international marketing strategy.
Uzbekistan’s official tourism policy identifies priority markets including the United States, Persian Gulf countries, India, China and Scandinavia. The country has been increasing its participation in international tourism platforms while expanding digital content and working with international media and opinion leaders.
A major international campaign linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup was also reported by Uzbekistan’s Tourism Committee. According to the committee, the campaign generated more than 1.07 billion views and was accompanied by increased interest in Uzbekistan as a tourism destination.
Such campaigns are designed to complement the strong regional visitor base with greater visibility in distant markets.
Tourist Villages And New Tourism Infrastructure Expand
The country’s tourism growth is also reaching beyond visitor arrivals.
During January-June 2026, Uzbekistan reported 7,364 accommodation facilities with a combined capacity of 202,300 beds. The country also recorded 48 tourist villages across its regions.
The Tourism Committee said 97 tourism projects worth US$200.2 million were launched during the first half of the year, creating 2,134 jobs.
Tourism services exports reached US$2.8 billion during the same six-month period, according to the committee.
These figures show that the country’s tourism strategy is increasingly focused on building capacity alongside attracting visitors.
The Market Is Growing Beyond Central Asia
The regional markets remain dominant, but Uzbekistan’s visitor statistics show a broader international footprint. During January-May 2026, tourists from 203 countries visited the country. By the end of June, the number of countries represented in the tourism statistics had reached 205. That reach gives Uzbekistan an increasingly diverse international audience. The country’s challenge now is to convert rapid visitor growth into longer stays, wider regional distribution and higher tourism spending. Stronger air links, new accommodation, tourism villages and international promotion could help support that next phase. For travellers, Uzbekistan’s appeal remains rooted in its combination of Silk Road heritage, Islamic architecture, traditional markets, cuisine, crafts and landscapes, while the expanding regional and international connectivity is making the destination easier to reach. The latest figures show that Uzbekistan’s tourism story in 2026 is being driven first by its Central Asian neighbours, with Russia playing a major supporting role and a growing group of international markets adding further momentum.
