TASHKENT: Uzbekistan’s tourism industry has experienced a remarkable surge in the first few months of 2024, with visitor numbers reaching 974,200, marking an impressive 11.9% increase compared to the previous year.
According to a report by Daryo, the government’s substantial investments in tourism promotion have yielded positive outcomes, elevating Uzbekistan as a prominent destination for many travelers. Efforts have also been directed towards enhancing tourist infrastructure, including the development of a variety of hotels catering to different budget ranges.
The report said that the rise in tourist arrivals has been particularly notable from neighboring countries, with Tajikistan leading the influx with 363,300 visitors. Significant contributions have also come from Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, which welcomed 291,100 and 155,900 tourists, respectively.
In pursuit of further strengthening its tourism sector, Uzbekistan has set an ambitious target of attracting 10 million tourists within the year. Progress in this direction has already been substantial, with the country securing $1 billion in investments related to tourism by October 2023.
Looking back at 2023, Uzbekistan welcomed 773,300 foreign visitors, predominantly for leisure and recreational purposes. Russia emerged as a significant source of tourists, contributing 235,300 visitors.
A notable decrease in travel expenses in December 2023, with prices dropping by 3.4% compared to November, likely contributed to the increase attractiveness of Uzbekistan to Russian travelers.
Moreover, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan played significant roles in bolstering Uzbekistan’s tourism numbers in 2023, with 63,400 and 43,800 visitors, respectively, highlighting the regional significance of Uzbekistan’s tourism industry.
