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Uzbekistan welcomed 10.3 million foreign tourists in the first nine months of 2026, up 20.4% from the same period last year, AnewZ reported. The Central Asian country aims to attract 20 million visitors a year by 2030.
According to Uzbekistan’s Tourism Committee, about 1.2 million foreign visitors arrived in the country in September alone. The increase in tourist arrivals has been driven by the country’s historical heritage, cultural sites and growing international recognition.
Tourist arrivals from Asian markets rise
Arrivals from Asia and emerging markets rose sharply. The number of tourists from China was 2.1 times higher than a year earlier, while arrivals from Malaysia increased 1.9 times. The number of visitors from Egypt and Romania each rose 1.8 times.
Arrivals from Indonesia increased 1.7 times, while those from Japan rose 1.5 times. The number of visitors from the United States increased 1.4 times, and arrivals from Russia rose 1.3 times.
European countries also contributed to the increase in tourist arrivals. The number of visitors from Germany and the United Kingdom each rose 25%, while arrivals from France increased 21%. The number of visitors from Türkiye was up 15%.
These figures point to Uzbekistan’s expanding appeal to tourists and show that growth is not limited to traditional markets.
Historic Silk Road cities attract tourists
Uzbekistan’s historic Silk Road cities are among the country’s main tourist destinations. Centuries-old architecture, UNESCO-listed monuments and rich cultural traditions draw visitors.
Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and Tashkent are among the leading destinations, bringing together ancient history and modern Uzbek life.
Once an important crossroads on the ancient Silk Road, Samarkand is known for Registan Square, the Shah-i-Zinda mausoleum complex, the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, where Amir Timur is buried, the Bibi-Khanym Mosque and the Ulugh Beg Observatory.
Bukhara is distinguished by its well-preserved historic center and medieval Islamic architecture. Its well-known sights include the Poi-Kalyan complex, the Ark of Bukhara, the Lyabi-Hauz ensemble, Chor Minor and the Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa summer palace.
Khiva’s Itchan Kala is an ancient walled city. The UNESCO-listed complex contains more than 50 monuments, including the 57-meter Islam Khodja Minaret, the Juma Mosque with 213 carved wooden columns and the Tash-Hauli Palace.
Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s modern capital and one of the main entry points for international travelers, combines Soviet-era architecture with green spaces and traditional bazaars. The city’s main attractions include Chorsu Bazaar, the Hazrati Imam Complex, the ornate Tashkent Metro and the Besh Qozon pilaf center.
Tourism services exports reach $5.3 billion
The rise in tourist arrivals in Uzbekistan has also affected economic indicators. Tourism services exports totaled $5.3 billion from January to September 2026, up 51.2% from the same period in 2025.
Based on the reported totals, tourism services exports averaged about $515 per foreign visitor over the nine-month period. The arrival of more than 10 million international visitors by the end of September also points to growing revenue for the country’s tourism industry.
The increase in visitor numbers and tourism revenue, along with a broader mix of countries of origin, shows Uzbekistan becoming one of Central Asia’s leading tourist destinations as it works toward its goal of attracting 20 million visitors a year by 2030.
Uzbekistan can be visited year-round, but spring and autumn are the most popular seasons for sightseeing because of the more favorable weather. Summer temperatures can exceed 40°C, making outdoor activities and visits to historic sites more difficult. Despite the heat, prices may be lower in summer, and major tourist sites may be less crowded.
Winters are cold, particularly in the northern and mountainous areas of the country. Mountain resorts attract visitors interested in skiing and other winter sports. Winters are generally milder in Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara, where tourists can continue to explore cultural and historical sites during those months.
