January 3, 2026 | 03:10 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A report from UN Tourism (UNWTO) shows Uzbekistan ranked among the top seven destinations for the fastest inbound growth from January to September 2025. International tourist arrivals in this Central Asian nation soared 73 percent compared to 2019 levels. This growth exceeded national targets and generated tourism export revenue of approximately 3.74 billion euros, or roughly Rp73.2 trillion.
By November 2025, Uzbekistan welcomed 10.7 million foreign visitors, surpassing its initial goal of 10 million. Between January and October alone, arrivals reached nearly 9.6 million, with monthly figures consistently exceeding one million since April. Furthermore, the average stay for tourists increased from 4–5 nights to 7–9 nights, significantly boosting the sector's economic output.
Success Factors
Massive investments fueled this success. Total funding reached 1.4 billion euros across 421 projects, creating 16,100 new jobs and adding 954 accommodation facilities. The country now offers 6,861 facilities with a capacity of 184,000 beds, supported by 4,348 licensed tourism companies and 4,345 certified guides. Visa-free policies for citizens of nearly 100 countries further accelerated this growth.
Umid Shodiyev, Head of the Uzbekistan Tourism Committee, stated that tourism is a core part of the national economic strategy. "It is one of the priority sectors under the ‘Uzbekistan–2030’ development strategy," he said, as quoted by Euronews.
Intensive promotion also played a major role. Uzbekistan participated in 21 international exhibitions and organized a 'Tourism Year' in both Russia and China. These efforts aimed to double arrivals from Russia and increase Chinese visitors fivefold compared to 2023.
Collaborations with global media and digital platforms helped Uzbekistan enter the top ten must-visit destinations in Asia.
Uzbekistan's Highlights
To complement its global appeal, Uzbekistan offers a mix of history, culture, and nature. According to Lonely Planet, these are the best places to visit in Uzbekistan:
1. Samarkand
This historical city features Registan Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site with three iconic madrasahs: Ulugbek, Sherdor, and Tilla-Kori. These buildings once served as universities for Islamic scholars. Other major sites include the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, the Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, the Gur-e-Amir mausoleum, and the Ulugbek Observatory.
2. Bukhara
An ancient city with a UNESCO-protected center, Bukhara is home to mosques, minarets, and craft workshops. Highlights include the Ark fortress, the Mir-i-Arab Madrasah, and the Sitorai Mohi Hosa summer palace. Most social life centers around the Labi Hovuz pool, surrounded by historic caravanserais.
3. Nukus
Nukus houses the Savitsky Museum, famous for its extensive collection of Russian avant-garde art. Igor Savitsky preserved these 100,000 artworks during the Soviet era. The museum is a unique site reflecting both local heritage and forbidden art history.
4. Khiva
Khiva is home to Ichan Kala, an open-air museum preserving medieval architecture. As the former capital of the Khorezm Khanate, it features the Juma Mosque, the Tosh-Hovli Palace with its harem chambers, and the distinctive Kalta Minor minaret.
5. Margilan
Located in the Fergana Valley, Margilan is famous for its ikat weaving. This Silk Road city produces high-quality silk, cotton, and velvet textiles. Visitors can explore the Yodgorlik Silk Factory, local craft centers, and traditional farmers' markets.
PUTRI AZ ZAHRA SUHERMAN
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