Tashkent (TDI): Uzbekistan has set an ambitious goal to attract 15 million foreign tourists by 2030.
This target represents a significant increase from the 6.6 million tourists who visited the country in 2023.
Tourism generated approximately $2.1 billion for the Uzbek economy last year and created around 70,000 new jobs.
To appeal to younger travelers, Uzbekistan is actively engaging bloggers and social media influencers with over 10 million subscribers to promote its attractions, according to media reports.
Situated along a key segment of the ancient Silk Road, Uzbekistan boasts UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the historic cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva.
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These cities are renowned for their stunning architecture, featuring impressive madrasahs, mosques, and bustling bazaars that reflect the country’s rich cultural heritage.
In 2022, tourism revenue accounted for 2.35% of Uzbekistan’s GDP, underscoring the sector’s importance to the national economy.
Tourism in Other Central Asian Countries
Other Central Asian nations are also making strides to enhance their tourism industries.
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has acknowledged the need to address infrastructure deficiencies, while Kyrgyzstan is promoting its picturesque mountainous landscapes, highlighting activities such as horseback riding, hiking, and traditional eagle hunting as key attractions.
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As Uzbekistan embarks on this initiative, it aims to position itself as a premier destination for international travelers, capitalizing on its historical significance and natural beauty.
