Uzbekistan’s cooperation with Central Asian countries in the field of tourism

Tourism is one of the key areas of regional cooperation in Central Asia, contributing to the strengthening of economic and cultural ties among neighboring countries. The Republic of Uzbekistan, with its rich historical and cultural heritage, ancient monuments of the Great Silk Road, and modern infrastructure, plays a central role in the development of this sector. In recent years, tourist contacts with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan have been actively expanding, laying the groundwork for the formation of a unified regional tourism space.

Kazakhstan has traditionally been one of Uzbekistan’s largest partners in terms of tourist numbers. Mutual travel between the two countries has shown steady growth: while more than 2.2 million Kazakh citizens visited Uzbekistan in 2018, the figure rose to over 2.8 million in 2024. This growth is linked to improvements in transportation, enhanced border infrastructure, and active promotion of Uzbekistan’s cultural heritage.

Regular visits by representatives of tourism companies, as well as participation in international exhibitions such as TITF in Tashkent and KITF in Almaty, help establish business contacts and exchange experiences. There is strong interest in developing joint routes along the Great Silk Road, connecting Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Turkestan, and Almaty. In recent years, efforts have focused on improving services for tourists. Additionally, joint info-tours, media projects, and fairs are organized to promote the cultural and historical heritage of both countries.

Tourism cooperation with Tajikistan has gained new momentum in recent years. Mutual tourist flows are growing rapidly: in 2019, around 1.5 million Tajik citizens visited Uzbekistan, rising to more than 2.5 million in 2024. This increase is due to simplified visa procedures, improved transport links, and active promotion of cultural routes.

Both countries participate in international forums, fairs, and exhibitions. Special attention is given to promoting pilgrimage (ziyorat) tourism routes, as well as developing gastronomic and ethnographic tourism. Presentations of Uzbekistan’s tourism potential are regularly held in Dushanbe and Khujand, along with exhibitions of handicrafts and Uzbek cuisine festivals.

Joint development of cross-border routes connecting historical cities such as Samarkand, Bukhara, and Penjikent—ancient centers of civilization with shared history and culture—has also attracted significant interest.

Kyrgyzstan is one of Uzbekistan’s key tourism partners alongside Kazakhstan and Tajikistan. The number of Kyrgyz tourists is steadily increasing: in 2024, about 2.8 million citizens of Kyrgyzstan visited Uzbekistan, and in the first eight months of 2025, the number exceeded 2.1 million.

Regular meetings and joint forums help strengthen ties between tourism administrations and businesses in both countries. Joint programs promoting the *Great Silk Road* and *Natural Attractions of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan* routes are particularly significant. These tours allow travelers to experience unique sites across both countries—from Samarkand and Bukhara to Issyk-Kul and the Osh Valley.

Interregional cooperation is also developing actively: Fergana, Namangan, and Batken regions coordinate info-tours, educational seminars, and press visits. Special attention is given to training personnel, developing the hotel industry, and introducing digital technologies in tourism. In the future, the countries plan to develop ecotourism, mountain and adventure routes, and create joint tourism clusters.

Although active Turkmen-Uzbek tourism cooperation began relatively recently, its dynamics are impressive. The number of Turkmen citizens visiting Uzbekistan grew from fewer than 6,000 in 2022 to more than 235,000 in 2024.

Particular attention is being paid to developing a new cross-border route “Turkmenistan – Khorezm – Karakalpakstan – Kazakhstan”, which includes architectural monuments, desert landscapes, and intangible heritage sites. Tourism along this route is seen as a tool for strengthening cross-border cooperation and developing small businesses.

Additionally, delegations from both countries actively participate in international forums and conferences held in Ashgabat, Samarkand, and Awaza. Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan also plan to develop joint cultural exchange programs and event-based tourism initiatives.

Overall, Uzbekistan’s cooperation with Central Asian countries in tourism is developing dynamically and systematically. Mutual tourist flows are increasing, investment is being activated, cross-border routes are expanding, and the region’s international presence in the global tourism market is strengthening.

Tourism is becoming an important factor in fostering good-neighborly relations, cultural exchange, and economic development. In the future, Central Asia, with Uzbekistan playing a leading role, has the potential to become a unified world-class tourist region, united by shared history, nature, and the hospitality of its peoples.