Tourism in Uzbekistan

Tourism represents a substantial and fast-growing sector of the economy of Uzbekistan. The government of Uzbekistan under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has invested heavily in developing tourism as a high-growth potential industry, resulting in an increase in international arrivals from approximately 1 million in 2016 to 7 million in 2023.

Uzbekistan's most-visited tourist sites are associated with the history of the Silk Road, particularly the cities of Bukhara, Khiva, and Samarkand. The Registan ensemble in Samarkand, a complex of three madrasahs dating from the 15-17th centuries situated around the city's historic central square, is one of Uzbekistan's most-visited landmarks, attracting more than 1 million visitors in 2022. Uzbekistan is home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the historical centres of Bukhara, Samarkand, and Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of Amir Timur; as well as the Ichan Qala (lit. "inner fortress"), the walled centre of Khiva. While most visitors cited interest in Uzbekistan's historical-architectural sites and culture, the government of Uzbekistan and tourism organizations are also working to develop other tourism areas, such as ecotourism and pilgrimage tourism.

The government of Uzbekistan continues to invest in both developing tourism-related infrastructure, and marketing Uzbekistan as a tourism destination. The Samarkand International Airport was completely reconstructed in 2022 to triple its capacity, and renovations of the Tashkent International Airport are ongoing as of 2024. Uzbekistan's Ministry of Culture and Tourism has partnered with international media, streaming services, and social media influencers to promote the country's tourism potential.