Uzbekistan’s tourism industry has witnessed a significant increase in the first quarter of 2024, with approximately 1.3 million Uzbek citizens traveling abroad for leisure purposes. This represents a substantial 40.7% growth compared to the same period last year, indicating a positive trend in the country’s tourism sector. According to the State Statistics Agency, the Kyrgyz Republic emerged as the top destination for Uzbek tourists, with 559,100 visitors, followed by Tajikistan with 260,800 visitors and Kazakhstan with 184,100 visitors. Other popular destinations included Saudi Arabia, Russia, the UAE, Turkey, Kuwait, Egypt, Thailand, and various other countries, totaling 37,100 visitors.
Uzbekistan has set a goal of attracting 10 million tourists annually and has already made significant strides in this direction. By October 2023, the country had secured $1 billion in investments to enhance tourism infrastructure and services, positioning Uzbekistan as a leading destination for both business and leisure travelers. Earlier, Daryo reported that Uzbekistan experienced a rise in foreign visitors for business purposes in 2M24, with 16,900 international guests. This marked a substantial increase from the same period last year, with 11,500 more individuals or a 3-fold rise, according to the State Statistics Agency.
