BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 1. Uzbekistan
recorded a 25% increase in international tourist arrivals in
January-June 2026, the fastest growth among European destinations
tracked by UN Tourism.
This was reflected in the statement by the Tourism Committee of
Uzbekistan, following the UN Tourism latest World Tourism
Barometer.
More than 6.6 million tourists visited Uzbekistan during the
first six months of 2026, compared with the same period a year
earlier.
Globally, international tourist arrivals reached about 690
million in January-June, increasing by 0.4% year-on-year. Europe
recorded 3% growth over the same period, while Uzbekistan’s 25%
increase significantly outpaced the regional and global rates,
according to the report.
The strong growth comes as Uzbekistan expands international
transport connections, simplifies entry procedures, diversifies
tourism products and promotes the country’s tourism brand in
overseas markets.
The report also highlights continued recovery and growth in
international tourism, with regional performance varying
significantly across destinations.
Uzbekistan’s increase in foreign tourist arrivals supports the
country’s target of attracting 20 million international tourists
annually by 2030, according to Uzbek authorities.
The tourism sector has become an increasingly important part of
Uzbekistan’s efforts to expand services, strengthen international
connectivity and increase the contribution of tourism to the
national economy.
According to Trend’s calculations, Uzbekistan’s 25% growth rate was
more than eight times higher than the 3% increase recorded across
Europe and about 62 times the global growth rate of 0.4%. The gap
between Uzbekistan and Europe stood at 22 percentage points, while
the country’s growth exceeded the global rate by 24.6 percentage
points.
