News about Uzbekistan
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.