Uzbekistan marks World Tourism Day with new goals and industry honours

Tashkent hosted a celebratory event on 27 September marking World Tourism Day, bringing together tourism professionals, government representatives, entrepreneurs and public organisation members from across Uzbekistan. A congratulatory message from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was read out at the ceremony, according to gov.uz and uzbekistan.travel.

In his address, the President highlighted the results of Uzbekistan’s policy of openness over recent years: a simplified visa regime, an expanded transport network and a growing base of hotel infrastructure have collectively given the tourism sector a decisive push. He noted that around 12 million foreign tourists visited the country in 2025 — a figure that once seemed far out of reach.

For the decade ahead, President Mirziyoyev set an ambitious road map: 20 million foreign visitors by 2030, tourism’s share of GDP rising to 7 percent, and tourism services exports exceeding $8 billion. The President also proposed establishing a brand-new state distinction — the honorary title “Honoured Worker of Tourism of the Republic of Uzbekistan” — to formally recognise professionals who have made outstanding contributions to the sector.

As reported by UzDaily, the ceremony also saw active specialists, civil servants, entrepreneurs and community leaders awarded the “Turizm Fidoyisi” (Tourism Devotee) badge for distinguished service to the industry. The proposal for the new honorary title was warmly welcomed by participants as a meaningful step toward recognising the people whose daily work makes Uzbekistan’s hospitality world-class.

For travellers planning a visit, the ceremony is a reminder of how seriously Uzbekistan is investing in its future as a destination — with infrastructure, accessibility and professional standards all on a firm upward trajectory.