Uzbek Tourism Eyes 20% Growth in Russian Visitor Flow

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — At the MITT – International Travel & Hospitality Show 2026 in Moscow, Sanjar Tadjiyev, Deputy Chairman of the Committee for Tourism of Uzbekistan, met with representatives of Russia’s private tourism sector to discuss strategies for increasing Russian tourist arrivals in Uzbekistan.

The discussions addressed current trends in the international tourism market, opportunities to expand Russian visitor flows to Uzbekistan, and the impact of geopolitical changes in the Middle East on travelers’ destination choices. Experts noted a redistribution of demand, with some Russian tourists favoring Southeast Asia. However, instability in certain regions creates opportunities for Uzbekistan to strengthen its position as a safe and convenient destination in Central Asia, including transit tourism.

Private sector representatives proposed practical measures to stimulate tourism, such as simplifying payment systems, optimizing flight schedules, increasing daytime flights, and developing marketing programs targeting the Russian market.

Special attention was given to promoting religious and pilgrimage tourism, expanding the range of offerings including medical, industrial, and youth tourism, and leveraging popular digital platforms for marketing in Russia.

Tour operators predict continued positive growth in international tourism in 2026, with Russian tourist arrivals expected to increase by approximately 20%, supporting overall growth across major source markets.