Uzbekistan expands transport links and eases travel rules to turn its tourism boom into economic gains

As international visitor numbers grow, Uzbekistan is introducing financial incentives for tourism businesses, expanding air and rail connections, and easing travel requirements. The reforms aim to attract investment, increase tourism revenue and create new economic opportunities across the country. Uzbekistan welcomed a record 11.7 million international visitors in 2025, according to the National Statistics Committee, as the country continued to expand its tourism industry. UN Tourism data shows that international arrivals rose by 37% in the first quarter of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025, placing Uzbekistan among the world's five fastest-growing tourism destinations. The expansion is also reflected in the sector's economic performance. During the first seven months of 2026, the country received more than 7.7 million foreign visitors, an increase of 22.6% year on year. Tourism services exports, meaning earnings from services provided to international visitors, reached nearly €3.5 bn, according to the Tourism Committee. Behind these figures is a broader effort to strengthen tourism's contribution to the economy through financial incentives, improved transport connections, visa liberalisation and investment in visitor infrastructure. Financial incentives and tourism investment Financial support is becoming an important part of Uzbekistan's tourism strategy, with measures designed to encourage airlines to open new routes and help local businesses attract international visitors. Under measures announced for the 2026 Open Tourism Season, qualifying airlines opening new routes were offered subsidies of €89 for each foreign tourist brought into the country, alongside a 20% discount on airport services. Tour operators were also offered up to €4,460 for every 1,000 international visitors attracted from eligible overseas markets. Separate incentives support qualifying charter flights and selected tourism start-ups, while investment in accommodation continues to expand. New facilities added more than 22,000 beds across the country during the first seven months of 2026. The measures aim to stimulate private-sector activity and encourage businesses to develop new tourism markets, although their longer-term impact will depend on whether the additional demand becomes commercially sustainable. Expanding air and rail connectivity Samarkand International Airport offers an example of how infrastructure investment is supporting the sector's expansion. According to Dmitry Martynenko, the airport's Commercial Director, passenger traffic has tripled since 2022, supported by a new terminal, an open-skies policy and efforts to attract international airlines. In 2025, the airport handled a record 1.5 million passengers, around 10% more than the previous year. A total of 24 airlines operated flights to 30 destinations. "We are now actively developing flights to China. We are also working on opening routes to Southeast Asia," Martynenko told Euronews. The airport has also introduced automated baggage handling systems, digital passenger services and a capsule hotel, reflecting efforts to improve the traveller experience and expand commercial services. Rail investment is another part of the country's transport strategy. The new Jaloliddin Manguberdi train has reduced the Tashkent–Khiva journey from 14 hours to seven and a half, making one of Uzbekistan's main historical destinations more accessible. "Today, we are providing high-speed rail services to more than ten cities in Uzbekistan, and we plan to expand this network year by year," said Hikmatulla Rahmetov, First Deputy Chairman of Uzbekistan Railways. He added that one planned project is a dedicated high-speed passenger railway connecting Tashkent and Samarkand, designed for trains travelling at speeds of up to 300 km/h. Improved transport connections could encourage tourists to visit more destinations, supporting hotels, restaurants and other businesses beyond the main transport hubs. Visa reforms and new tourism markets Alongside infrastructure development, Uzbekistan has been easing entry requirements and expanding international promotion. Citizens of more than 90 countries can enter without a visa for varying periods, while electronic visas are available to eligible travellers from other markets. The Tourism Committee is also promoting Uzbekistan through international exhibitions, roadshows and digital platforms, including Expedia and Trip.com. According to Oybek Hakimov, Adviser to the Chairman of the Tourism Committee on Strategic Planning and Information Analysis, the introduction of a reciprocal 30-day visa-free regime with China has been accompanied by substantial growth in visitor numbers. "By the end of 2025, the number of tourists from China had increased more than sixfold compared with 2023," Hakimov said. The authorities are also seeking to diversify tourism beyond established Silk Road destinations. More than 50 tourism villages and neighbourhoods have been developed, alongside new mountain resorts and regional attractions. These initiatives could help distribute tourism spending more widely, creating opportunities for local accommodation providers, guides, craftspeople and small businesses. Improving services for international visitors As visitor numbers rise, service quality is becoming another important factor in the industry's competitiveness. For Romanian tourist Cezar Marksteiner-Ungureanu, who was visiting Uzbekistan for the first time, the experience challenged some of his expectations. "I felt all the time very secure. I think security is my last problem in Uzbekistan," he told Euronews. However, he also pointed to shortcomings in the information available at some museums, highlighting areas where visitor services could improve. South Korean visitor Gown Yong Won was impressed by Khiva's preserved historical architecture and local hospitality. "I've visited many historical sites in Europe and elsewhere, but I think this is the first time I've seen an entire city preserved as a historical site like this," he said. Turning growth into economic value Uzbekistan's tourism development strategy for 2026–2030 sets targets of attracting 20 million international visitors annually, increasing tourism's contribution to 7% of GDP and raising tourism services exports to $6 billion. Achieving these ambitions will depend on more than increasing arrival numbers. The economic impact will also be shaped by how long visitors stay, how much they spend and how effectively local businesses benefit. While financial incentives and infrastructure investment may help attract new visitors, maintaining growth will require commercially sustainable transport connections, competitive services and a wider range of tourism products.