Uzbekistan Sees Rising Tourism to Malaysia Amid New Flights

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Tourism cooperation between Uzbekistan and Malaysia is showing steady positive momentum. Expanded air connectivity, growing interest in halal and medical tourism, and deepening cultural exchanges are opening new opportunities to increase tourist flows and strengthen bilateral ties.

This article was prepared based on a press tour for Uzbek media representatives, organized in partnership with AirAsia X and Tourism Malaysia.

UzDaily spoke with Nadia Zakaria, Senior Deputy Director of the International Promotion Department at Tourism Malaysia, about the evolving tourism landscape and the growing number of points of convergence between Uzbekistan and Malaysia.

Growing Tourist Flow

As the Tourism Malaysia representative emphasized, Central Asia is emerging as one of the most promising markets for the country's tourism industry. Official statistics support the upward trend.

According to data from Uzbekistan's National Statistics Committee, 2,686 Uzbek citizens traveled to Malaysia for tourism purposes in January 2026 — an increase of 800 people, or 42.4%, compared to the same period the previous year, pointing to a marked rise in interest among Uzbek travelers.

The overwhelming majority of trips were tourist visits, accounting for 2,563 people. A further 104 citizens traveled to Malaysia to visit relatives, 14 for study purposes, and five on official business.

One of the key drivers of growth has been the expansion of direct air service. On October 16, 2025, AirAsia launched flights on the Tashkent–Kuala Lumpur route, operating three times weekly. Subsequently, on December 15, 2025, Batik Air Malaysia opened a direct Tashkent–Langkawi service.

The expansion of route networks has significantly improved transport accessibility and raised Malaysia's profile as a tourism destination among travelers from the region.

Uzbek Tourist Preferences

According to Zakaria, the most active segment of tourists from Uzbekistan consists of families seeking relaxed beach holidays. At the same time, interest in halal-oriented tourism is growing. A rising number of travelers are also choosing active pursuits — trekking, cycling routes, and exploration of natural landscapes.

Business Partnership Prospects

In 2025, a delegation of nearly 30 Malaysian tourism companies visited Uzbekistan to explore cooperation opportunities in the sector. During the visit, industry representatives familiarized themselves with tourism sites in Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Jizzakh Region, and held meetings with government officials and business representatives. The two sides discussed the development of joint tourism products, marketing initiatives, and broader industry partnerships.

Malaysia's Most Popular Destinations

Among the most attractive destinations for travelers from Central Asia, the Tourism Malaysia representative highlighted Langkawi — a resort island with scenic beaches; Kuala Lumpur — a hub for shopping and contemporary urban culture; Penang — a food and cultural destination; Cameron Highlands — a mountain region with a cool climate; and Sabah — a destination combining nature, culture, and outdoor activities.

Halal Tourism Potential

In Zakaria's view, halal tourism represents significant untapped potential for Uzbekistan-Malaysia cooperation. Malaysia has for many years ranked among the world's leading destinations for Muslim travelers, with well-developed infrastructure providing access to halal cuisine, prayer facilities, and services attuned to the religious needs of visitors. The Islamic Tourism Centre plays an important role in advancing this sector by establishing industry standards and certification programs for the tourism industry.

Tourism as a Bridge Between Nations

Zakaria emphasized that tourism plays a vital role in strengthening relations between countries, as travel is where the first human connections are made. "When tourists from Tashkent visit Kuala Lumpur and Malaysians walk the historic streets of Uzbekistan, they return home with new impressions and stories. These encounters lay the foundation for lasting mutual understanding between our peoples," she said.

Further development of tourist exchange, she added, will contribute not only to industry growth but also to expanding cultural, educational, and business cooperation between Uzbekistan and Malaysia.