News about Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan surpasses 10 million visitors in the first nine months of 2026
Foreign tourist arrivals reached 10.3 million in January–September 2026 — a 20.4% year-on-year rise — while tourism export revenues climbed to $5.3 billion, marking a new nine-month milestone for the country.
Uzbekistan and Arup to develop master plans for 30 new tourism zones by 2030
The Tourism Committee of Uzbekistan has agreed with leading global consultancy Arup to create comprehensive master plans for 30 new tourism areas by 2030, covering transport, hotels and recreation facilities across every region of the country.
Khiva opens a congress hall and 156-room hotel for international visitors
A modern Congress Hall, a 156-room three-star hotel with a pool and wellness centre, and the Ichan-Kala Reception House have been commissioned in Khiva — boosting capacity for international events and raising the city's appeal for multi-day tourism.
Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan join forces to promote Central Asia as a unified destination
Tourism officials from Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan met in Dushanbe on 24 September to align on joint marketing, cross-border tour corridors, and a shared presence at the upcoming Tashkent International Tourism Fair — a milestone step for the region's travel sector.
Uzbekistan and Turkey deepen tourism ties with new cultural and connectivity projects
Uzbekistan's Tourism Committee Chairman met Turkey's Minister of Culture and Tourism on 24 September to map out joint hotel investment, expanded air connectivity, and cultural initiatives that will give Turkish visitors even more reasons to discover Uzbekistan's Silk Road heritage.
Uzbekistan marks World Tourism Day with new goals and industry honours
On 27 September, Tashkent hosted a ceremony marking World Tourism Day where President Mirziyoyev set a target of 20 million foreign visitors by 2030, proposed a new honorary title for tourism professionals, and decorated outstanding industry workers.
Euronews Travel: visitors to Uzbekistan now spend more and explore far beyond the Silk Road
A September 2026 Euronews Travel feature reports that international visitors to Uzbekistan now spend an average of $503 per trip — up from $197 in 2017 — and are increasingly venturing beyond the classic heritage cities into the country's mountains, deserts and lesser-known cultural corners.
Uzbekistan surpasses 9 million visitors in the first eight months of 2026
Foreign tourist arrivals reached 9.1 million in January–August 2026 — a 21% year-on-year rise — while tourism export revenues climbed to $4.6 billion, cementing Uzbekistan as one of the world's fastest-growing travel destinations.
Golden Eagle's Grand Silk Road train puts Uzbekistan at the heart of a Beijing-to-Tashkent expedition
The inaugural 22-day Grand Silk Road luxury rail journey by Golden Eagle Luxury Trains departs on 21 September 2026, tracing the ancient Silk Road from Beijing through Central Asia to Tashkent — with Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, and other Uzbek highlights along the way.
Uzbekistan opens 30-day visa-free travel to Indian citizens
Indian passport holders can now enter Uzbekistan without a visa for up to 30 days after the two countries signed the agreement during Indian Prime Minister Modi's state visit to Tashkent on 29–30 August 2026 — unlocking easier access for travellers from the world's most populous nation.
Centrum Air launches direct Tashkent–Karachi flights
Pakistani carrier Centrum Air began twice-weekly non-stop service between Tashkent and Karachi on 3 September 2026, opening a brand-new air corridor between Uzbekistan and Pakistan's largest city.
Uzbekistan honours Pakistani travel partners at Islamabad road show
The Uzbekistan Embassy in Pakistan hosted a flagship tourism event in Islamabad on 31 August, presenting Excellence Awards to travel agencies that have championed Uzbekistan as a destination for Pakistani holidaymakers.
Tashkent hosts the International Ecotourism Summit — a first for Uzbekistan
On 26 August, Tashkent welcomed nearly 100 specialists from over 20 countries for the International Summit on Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism — the first time this prestigious gathering has ever been held in Central Asia.
Samarkand hosts the XIII Sharq Taronalari International Music Festival
The ancient Registan Square came alive in late August as nearly 50 ensembles and soloists from 27 countries gathered for the 13th edition of 'Sharq Taronalari — Melodies of the East', one of Central Asia's most celebrated world-music festivals.
Khiva's Melon Festival earns a Guinness World Record and draws 186,000 visitors
The international 'Qovun Sayli – 2026' festival in Khiva drew 186,000 guests over three days in August, showcased 250 varieties of melon, and set a new Guinness World Record — a spectacular celebration of Khorezm's food, crafts and hospitality.
Uzbekistan approves a new Tourism Development Program for 2026–2028
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has approved a three-year Tourism Development Program that unlocks 5,000 hectares of land for hotel construction, long-term financing for hospitality investors and a $1 million annual award pool for the highest-rated hotels.
Uzbekistan launches programme to develop 162 natural sites for adventure tourism
The Tourism Committee under Uzbekistan's Ministry of Ecology has initiated a nationwide programme to modernise infrastructure at 162 natural sites — opening mountain peaks, canyons, and scenic valleys to trekkers, paragliders, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Uzbekistan welcomes nearly 7.8 million visitors in January–July 2026
Arrivals rose 22.6% year-on-year over the first seven months of 2026, while tourism export revenues climbed 56% to nearly $3.9 billion — cementing Uzbekistan's place among the world's fastest-growing destinations.
Tashkent hosts the world's brightest young programmers at IOI 2026
Uzbekistan stages the 38th International Olympiad in Informatics for the first time, welcoming over 900 participants from 97 countries to Tashkent this week.
Uzbekistan breaks ground on $2.2-billion expressway linking Tashkent and Samarkand
Construction started in July on a new 282-km, six-lane toll highway that will cut the road journey between the two cities from five hours to 2.5 hours — a major win for Silk Road travellers.
Budget carrier FlyArystan to launch direct Almaty–Urgench flights from September
Kazakhstan's low-cost airline FlyArystan will begin twice-weekly nonstop service between Almaty and Urgench from 3 September 2026 — making Khiva's UNESCO World Heritage old city more accessible than ever from Central Asia's busiest hub.
Uzbekistan's first Hyatt mountain resort opens in the Chimgan mountains
Beldersoy Resort and SPA — the first Destination by Hyatt property in Uzbekistan — opened on 15 July in the Chimgan–Bostanliq highlands, bringing international luxury hospitality to one of Central Asia's most dramatic alpine settings.
Samarkand to host the 46th Chess Olympiad this September
The world's biggest chess event arrives in Samarkand on 15 September 2026, bringing thousands of players and fans from nearly 190 countries to the heart of the Silk Road.
Etihad Airways launches daily direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Tashkent
From 10 August, Etihad's new daily service connects Abu Dhabi to Tashkent — and onward to eight Uzbek cities via codeshare with Uzbekistan Airways.
SunExpress to launch first-ever direct flights between Izmir and Tashkent
Turkey's SunExpress airline is opening a brand-new air bridge between Izmir and Tashkent — four weekly flights starting August 1.
Uzbekistan welcomes over 6.5 million international visitors in first half of 2026
Arrivals surged nearly 25% year-on-year in the first six months of 2026, cementing Uzbekistan's place among the world's fastest-growing tourism destinations.
Royal Jordanian opens direct Amman–Tashkent route
Jordan's national carrier has launched twice-weekly nonstop flights between Amman and Tashkent — the airline's first route into Central Asia.
Uzbekistan launches unified digital tourism platform for visitors
A new national app went live on July 1, letting travelers buy tickets for heritage sites, activate e-SIMs and access digital guides all in one place.
Tashkent hosts major pilgrimage tourism exhibition, drawing 200+ tour operators
The 4th International 'Umra Plus and Pilgrimage Tourism' Exhibition brought tour operators from across the region to Tashkent, spotlighting Uzbekistan's sacred and cultural sites.
Visa-free access to Uzbekistan extended to more countries
The list of countries whose citizens can visit Uzbekistan without a visa keeps growing — travel just got easier.
New direct flights launched to Samarkand and Bukhara
Airlines are adding direct routes from new cities — reaching Uzbekistan's historic capitals just got faster.
Samarkand and Bukhara back in the spotlight of global travel rankings
Uzbekistan's historic cities keep appearing on international lists of top travel destinations.