Uzbekistan Among Top 7 Countries in the World for Fastest Growth in International Tourism
According to data for January–September 2025, the UN World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) has included Uzbekistan among the Top 7 countries globally with the fastest growth in attracting international tourists.
In particular, the flow of international visitors to Uzbekistan increased by 73 percent compared to 2019 levels, demonstrating the country’s consistent strengthening of its position in the global tourism space.
These results also confirm the high recognition of Uzbekistan’s tourism potential within the European region. According to the UN tourism ranking, Uzbekistan ranked 2nd among European countries in terms of tourist growth relative to 2019. In the first nine months of 2025, the number of foreign visitors increased by 13 percent compared to the same period in 2024, placing Uzbekistan among the Top 4 European destinations with the fastest growth rates.
The UN Tourism report notes that international travel worldwide increased by an average of 5 percent in January–September 2025, indicating a phase of sustainable recovery following the pandemic. Against this backdrop, Uzbekistan’s results demonstrate the effectiveness of the country’s long-term and consistent state tourism policy.
In 2025, Uzbekistan set new national records: more than 10.7 million international tourists visited the country in the first 11 months, and since April, monthly tourist arrivals have exceeded one million for the first time in history. Revenue from tourism services exports surpassed USD 4.4 billion, reflecting the sector’s rapid growth.
The increase in tourist flow is linked to simplified visa procedures, improved transport accessibility, and active international marketing efforts. At the same time, the number of hotels, travel companies, and industry professionals has increased, strengthening infrastructure and boosting Uzbekistan’s competitiveness in the global tourism market.
Alongside traditional historical centers — Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva — ecotourism and gastronomic tourism are gaining popularity. The growing number of tourists from distant countries highlights Uzbekistan’s expansion beyond a regional destination and its emergence as a sustainable global tourism player.
