Uzbekistan plans to welcome 12 million foreign tourists in 2026

Uzbekistan expects to welcome 12 million foreign tourists in 2026. This was announced by Mr. Abrorhuja Munovarov, Head of the Investment Department of the Tourism Committee, at the 7th Hotel Business Forum 2026, which was held in Tashkent on February 13 - 14.

According to him, 1023 new accommodation facilities have been opened in the regions to welcome foreign guests: 136 hotels, 528 family guesthouses, and 298 hostels. Overall, there are 6,921 accommodation facilities operating across the country with a total capacity of 185,600 beds.

At the same time, efforts are underway to diversify tourist routes. In addition to traditional destinations - Bukhara, Samarkand, and Khiva - projects are being implemented in the Kashkadarya region, the Fergana Valley and Karakalpakstan.

Overall, the country welcomed 11.5 million tourists in 2025, a 12.7% increase over the previous year. The largest number of visitors came from Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. Russian tourists rank fourth among international tourists in the country. However, the flow of tourists from Russia to Uzbekistan increased by 15% in 2025, reaching 984 400 visits.
Photo by Natalia Klimenok