In data released in late 2025, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) reported that Uzbekistan had one of the world’s highest increases in international tourist arrivals compared to pre-COVID 2019 figures.
UNWTO released the data last November. It included the “top 20 best-performing destinations” which had the highest percentage increases in international tourist arrivals between January and September 2025, compared to tourism numbers in 2019. Uzbekistan ranked as the country with the sixth-highest increase in international tourism. According to the data, the Central Asian country’s international arrivals were up a whopping 73% from 2019.
Additionally, the source noted that Uzbekistan saw a 13% jump in international tourist arrivals from January through September 2025 compared to the prior year (2024).
What Else Is There To Know About Uzbekistan Tourism?
Uzbekistan is landlocked by five countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Turkmenistan. A country of around 38 million people, Uzbekistan is known for its rich history and cities along the Silk Road, as well as its unique blend of architecture, artisans with detailed craftsmanship, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Last year, Uzbekistan surpassed President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s goal of welcoming at least 10 million visitors in 2025. According to a December piece published by Euronews, the head of marketing at the Uzbekistan Tourism Committee, Aziz Mirjalilov, commented on the country’s tourism success. The country’s tourism committee reportedly disclosed that the rise in visitors created over 16,000 new jobs. Additionally, over 950 new accommodations opened, more travel companies became licensed, and even local tourism among Uzbek nationals reportedly increased.
“This year, we reached a stable milestone,” said Mirjalilov. “Starting from April, Uzbekistan has welcomed more than one million tourists every single month. As a result, between January and October alone, total arrivals have already reached nearly 9.6 million.”
“Importantly, it is not only the volume of visitors that is increasing. The length of stay is growing as well,” he added. While tourists previously spent an average of four to five nights per trip, this figure has now risen to seven, eight, and even nine nights.”
