Cooperation between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Kazakhstan in the field of tourism

Cooperation between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Kazakhstan in the field of tourism is an important area of ​​bilateral relations and occupies a special place in the complex of cultural and humanitarian ties between the two neighboring countries. Geographical proximity, common historical and cultural basis and the rich heritage of the Great Silk Road create favorable conditions for the development of tourist interaction and strengthening of friendly ties between peoples.

In recent years, there has been a steady increase in tourist exchanges between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. According to statistics, in 2018, 2,293,077 citizens of Kazakhstan visited Uzbekistan, and in 2019 - 2,261,094 people. Despite the decline caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, in subsequent years the figures began to grow again: in 2022 - 1.55 million, in 2023 - 1.33 million, and in 2024 the number of tourists from Kazakhstan reached 2.88 million. In January–August 2025 alone, almost 2 million citizens of Kazakhstan visited Uzbekistan. These data indicate the steadily growing interest of Kazakhstanis in the cultural and historical heritage of Uzbekistan.

Particular attention is paid to promoting a single tourist route along the Great Silk Road, uniting the historical cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, Turkestan and Almaty. This project is considered as one of the key tools for integrating the tourism markets of Central Asia.

In this regard, a significant event was the launch of the “Jibek Joly” tourist train on the route Almaty - Turkestan - Tashkent - Almaty in November 2024. In October 2025, the tourist train “Jibek Joly-6.0” set off again on the route Almaty – Turkestan – Otrar – Samarkand – Bukhara – Tashkent – ​​Almaty. This train not only contributes to the development of railway tourism, but also symbolizes the strong ties between the two countries, connecting the most important cultural centers of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

Regular contacts between travel companies and the media of the two countries are of great importance in strengthening ties. Representatives of Kazakhstan traditionally take part in the Tashkent International Tourism Fair (TITF), and the Uzbek side - in the Kazakhstan International Tourism and Travel Exhibition (KITF). Such events contribute to the exchange of experience, the establishment of partnerships and the promotion of joint projects.

In recent years, information and promotional events have also intensified: information tours, filming of films and television programs about the sights of Uzbekistan, visits of bloggers and journalists are organized.

Several important events took place in 2023–2025 high-level visits, during which issues of investment cooperation, promotion of cultural brands and strengthening the image of the region as a single tourist space were discussed. In September 2025, the parties developed a draft Joint Action Plan in the field of tourism for 2025–2026, the signing of which is planned during the visit of the leadership of Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan.

Thus, tourism cooperation between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Kazakhstan is developing on a solid legal basis and is demonstrating sustainable positive dynamics. The parties are actively expanding forms of interaction - from the exchange of experience and joint participation in international forums to the implementation of large investment projects. Taking into account the rich historical and cultural heritage, favorable geographical location and strategic partnership, it is safe to say that cooperation between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan in the field of tourism has significant potential for further growth and strengthening mutual understanding between the two fraternal peoples.