Uzbekistan Leads Central Asia in Tourism Growth, WTTC Says

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan ranked first in Central Asia across key tourism development indicators in 2025, according to the Travel & Tourism Economic Impact Research 2026 report published by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).

The report found that Central Asia was the world's fastest-growing tourism region in 2025.

WTTC divides the global travel and tourism industry into 13 macro-regions. According to the study, Central Asia recorded the world's strongest growth in tourism's contribution to the economy, tourism exports and other key industry indicators. Uzbekistan led the region across these categories.

The report said the total contribution of travel and tourism to Central Asia's gross domestic product increased by 17.7% in 2025, while the sector's direct contribution rose by 19.6%.

The region also recorded the highest growth in visitor exports. Visitor exports reached US$9.9 billion in 2025, up 26.4% from the previous year, marking the strongest performance among all world regions.

Uzbekistan played a significant role in that result. The country's visitor exports totalled US$4.8 billion in 2025, accounting for nearly half of Central Asia's total.

The study also highlighted Uzbekistan's appeal to travellers from neighbouring countries. According to WTTC, Uzbekistan was the most popular travel destination among Central Asian residents in 2025.

The distribution of the region's main travel destinations was as follows:

Uzbekistan — 25%;
Kazakhstan — 23%;
Kyrgyzstan — 18%;
Russia — 16%;
Turkey — 6%.

WTTC said Uzbekistan's leading position reflects its rich historical and cultural heritage, strong tourism potential and consistent government policy aimed at developing the sector.

The report noted that tourism in Central Asia is predominantly regional, with residents of the region most frequently travelling to neighbouring countries. At the same time, WTTC said the region has considerable potential to develop a unified tourism area.

According to the report, further growth in international tourism could be supported by simplified border procedures, expanded air connectivity, improved transport and logistics infrastructure, the creation of cross-border tourism routes, and the promotion of Central Asia as a single tourism destination in the global market.

The study found that international visitors accounted for 64.3% of all tourism spending in the region, while domestic tourism represented 35.7%.

Among international visitor spending, 84.5% was generated by leisure travel and 15.5% by business travel.

WTTC forecasts continued long-term growth, estimating that by 2036 the total contribution of travel and tourism to Central Asia's economy will reach US$29.7 billion.

The report said the findings reflect the region's strong growth potential and its strengthening position in the global tourism market.

According to the report, the WTTC assessment reflects the effectiveness of Uzbekistan's reforms to develop the tourism sector, modernise infrastructure, expand international transport connectivity and promote the country's tourism offerings in foreign markets.

The report said Uzbekistan continues to strengthen its position as one of Central Asia's leading tourism destinations.