Development of tourism relations between Uzbekistan and the CIS countries: dynamics and prospects

In recent years, Uzbekistan has demonstrated significant progress in the field of international tourism, with special attention paid to cooperation with the CIS countries. This region historically has close cultural, economic and humanitarian ties with Uzbekistan, which contributes to the active exchange of tourists and the development of joint initiatives in the tourism industry.

According to statistics for January–August 2024 and 2025, there has been a steady increase in the total number of tourists from 6.7 million visiting Uzbekistan to more than 7.5 million an annual increase of 15-20% per year. By the end of 2025, the arrival of more than 11 million foreign tourists is predicted.

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan remain the most significant sources of tourists among the CIS countries. In 2024, Kazakhstan sent more than 2.1 million tourists to Uzbekistan in the period January–August, Kyrgyzstan — about 1.78 million, and Tajikistan — almost 1.6 million. In 2025, Kyrgyzstan slightly surpassed Kazakhstan in the number of visitors - 2.16 million versus 1.77 million, indicating a positive trend in strengthening bilateral ties in the tourism sector. Tajikistan also showed growth - almost 1.7 million tourists.

In addition to traditional leaders, during the period January-August the number of tourists from Turkmenistan increased noticeably - from 125 thousand in 2024 to 243 thousand in 2025. This growth confirms the growing attractiveness of Uzbekistan as a tourist destination for all neighboring countries.

CIS countries with fewer tourists, such as Azerbaijan, Belarus, Moldova, Armenia, Ukraine and Russia, also report positive dynamics. Particularly noteworthy is the increase in the number of Russian tourists in the period January–August, from 587 thousand in 2024 to more than 663 thousand in 2025, reflecting the strengthening of tourism and cultural ties between the two countries.

The growth of tourist flows from the CIS is largely due to the comprehensive work of Uzbekistan to improve infrastructure, simplify visa procedures, as well as the active promotion of tourism brands. The development of transport links, the introduction of modern services and the expansion of the range of tourism products make Uzbekistan increasingly attractive to guests from neighboring countries.

Uzbekistan is the historical center and pearl of the Great Silk Road, a crossroads of world cultures and civilizations. There are more than 8 thousand cultural heritage sites in the country. 209 of them are part of four museum cities included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The magnificent monuments of the ancient cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva attract many tourists who want to get acquainted with the rich heritage of the region. Samarkand is the ancient capital of the empire of the great commander Amir Temur, which houses the most beautiful Registan ensemble, the Ulugbek Observatory and the most important Imam Al-Bukhari complex for Muslims, the fabulous city of Bukhara, known throughout the Islamic world with its Bahauddin Naqshbandi complex, the Ark fortress and the Poi-Kalyan ensemble, the capital of the Khorezmshah State Khiva with the city - the open-air museum Ichan-Kaloy, and of course the city of Shakhrisabz, in which Amir Temur was born and who built the Ok-Saroy palace there.

The capital of Uzbekistan, the city of Tashkent is the geographical center and the largest hub of Central Asia, a connecting bridge between East and West. Tourists can get great emotions and impressions from their stay in Tashkent, which has many interesting attractions, including the architects of modernity and the ancient east.

Uzbekistan is not only historical cities, but also a huge number of natural attractions: the picturesque mountains of the Western Tien Shan and Pamir-Alai, mysterious caves, the endless Kyzylkum desert, a huge number of lakes, the Ustyurt plateau and the Aral Sea in Karakalpakstan.

It should be noted that Uzbekistanoccupies high places in world tourism rankings in the field ofsafety, historical attractions, family tourism, gastronomy, etc.In all tourist centers of the country there is a tourist police, thanks to which all foreign visitors feel constantly safe. At the same time, over the past 10 years in Uzbekistan there have been no incidents related to the safety of tourists in the country, which could have a negative impact on the tourist image of Uzbekistan.

Youth tourism is receiving enormous attention in the country; special tours on historical topics, ecotourism, extreme tourism, industrial tourism have been formed to visit various production facilities, which also serve as their subsequent professional guidance.

The Government of Uzbekistan has identified several territories with high tourism potential as free tourist zones created specifically for businesses operating in the tourism sector. Conditions have been created to attract foreign investment in the tourism sector. To stimulate investors, various incentives have been introduced for the hotel sector, the construction of tourism complexes and infrastructure. Representatives of business from the CIS countries are the most active investors, creating both enterprises with 100 foreign investments and in the form of joint ventures in the tourism industry of Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan invites Russian investors to take an active part in joint projects in the territories of the tourist zones Charvak, Chimgan, Nanay, Baysun, Maydanak, Miraki, Parkent, Akhangaran, Angren, Akchakul, Tudakul, Aydarkul and others.

The development of tourism with the CIS countries is becoming not only a factor of economic growth, but also an important element in strengthening interstate relations, cultural exchange and friendship between peoples. The growth of the tourist flow contributes to the creation of new jobs, the development of small and medium-sized businesses and an increase in the standard of living of the population.

Prospects for the further development of tourism relations between Uzbekistan and the CIS countries look very promising. Strengthening cooperation, sharing experience and introducing innovative solutions will make the region one of the most attractive and dynamically developing tourist destinations in Eurasia.

The Tourism Committee of Uzbekistan is ready to support the tourism business of our countries in the implementation of joint projects, and create all the necessary conditions for comfortable travel of tourists of all categories from the CIS countries.

Shukhrat Isakulov,

Head of Transport and Logistics Development Department