Uzbekistan ranks First in Central Asia by Tourism Development Growth Rate
According to the Travel & Tourism Economic Impact Research 2026 report published by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), Central Asia was the world's fastest-growing tourism region in 2025.
According to the Travel & Tourism Economic Impact Research 2026 report published by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), Central Asia was the world's fastest-growing tourism region in 2025.
WTTC conducts its annual research by dividing the world into 13 major regions. Based on the 2025 results, Central Asia ranked first globally across several key tourism performance indicators. Uzbekistan emerged as the regional leader, recording the strongest performance among the Central Asian countries across all of these indicators.
According to the report, the total contribution of travel and tourism to Central Asia's gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 17.7% in 2025, while the sector's direct contribution to GDP grew by 19.6%. Visitor exports reached $9.9 billion, representing a 26.4% increase compared to the previous year. Central Asia ranked first in the world in terms of growth in visitor exports. Nearly half of the region's total visitor exports came from Uzbekistan, which generated $4.8 billion in tourism exports in 2025.
According to WTTC data for 2025, Uzbekistan was the most popular travel destination for residents of Central Asia.
Report notes that Uzbekistan's leading position is driven by its rich historical and cultural heritage and its strong appeal to travellers from across the region. “Overall, these figures confirm the regional nature of tourism: residents of Central Asia travel within their own region more frequently than anywhere else”, the report states.
In addition, WTTC highlights the significant potential for creating a unified tourism space across Central Asia. According to the organization's experts, simplifying border procedures, expanding air connectivity and transport infrastructure, developing joint tourism routes, and promoting Central Asia as a single tourism destination will help attract more international visitors from other regions of the world.
According to the report, 64.3% of all tourism spending in Central Asia in 2025 came from international visitors, while 35.7% was generated by domestic tourism within the region. Among international visitor spending, 84.5% was related to leisure travel and 15.5% to business travel.
WTTC forecasts that by 2036, the total contribution of the travel and tourism sector to Central Asia's economy will reach $29.7 billion.
Related news
Uzbekistan has moved its economic cooperation with the Turkic states into a practical dimension
Ahead of the 13th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States, scheduled to be held in Ankara, economic cooperation within the OTS is acquiring new substance.
Water security in the turkic world: shared interests and common solutions
Water is a precious blessing that transcends national borders and has long connected peoples and civilizations.
Strengthening Transport Connectivity in Asia through the Development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor
Shifting international supply chains and expanding trade in Asia are driving demand for sustainable transport routes. For businesses, predictable delivery times, competitive rates, and reliable access to foreign markets are becoming increasingly important.