Tashkent, Uzbekistan — In May 2025, Uzbekistan recorded a new all-time high in international tourist arrivals, welcoming approximately 1.1 million foreign visitors. This figure surpasses the previous milestone set in April, when the country first exceeded one million inbound tourists in a single month.
“Uzbekistan with its many historical and architectural monuments, a variety of climate and rapid economic development attracted attention all over the world” wrote Olimovich (2015).
Specifically, the State Committee for Tourism reported that the country received over 1 million foreign tourists in April 2025, marking an all-time high. This achievement is seen as a result of consistent reforms in the tourism sector, including the development of tourism infrastructure, promotion of Uzbekistan internationally, simplification of visa procedures, and introduction of new tourist routes.
Uzbekistan has many cities where hundreds of old monuments from different ages are located. Amid them are Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Shakhrizabs, Termez and Kokand. These cities were the main centers of knowledge, science and art. Throughout the country there are more than 7,000 monuments of architecture and art of different epochs and civilizations, many of which are included in the list of cultural World Heritage Site (Olimovich, 2015).
Bukhara is a museum city, with about 140 architectural monuments.
Furthermore, the Uzbek government has designated Khiva as the tourist capital of the Islamic world in 2024. This recognition highlights not only its well-preserved architecture and rich history but also its vast potential as a tourism investment hub. For investors and stakeholders in the tourism industry, Khiva presents a unique opportunity to develop sustainable tourism infrastructure while preserving the cultural and historical heritage of this ancient city.
Khiva, an oasis city with over 2,500 years of history, is one of the most well-preserved stops along the Silk Road. With its UNESCO World Heritage status, it offers an unparalleled cultural and historical experience. However, beyond its aesthetic and historical charm, Khiva stands as an emerging destination for tourism investment, particularly in hospitality, infrastructure, and experience-based tourism. Currently, visitors reach Khiva by flying into Urgench, a 1.5-hour flight from Tashkent, followed by a 45-minute road journey. Enhancing accessibility through improved transport infrastructure, such as direct international flights and upgraded roads, would significantly boost visitor numbers and investor interest.
It is also important to know that Uzbekistan has a visa-free policy for citizens of many countries, including those from the CIS, Europe, and others. For citizens of the US, China, and certain other countries, visas are generally required, but these can be obtained electronically through the official portal at e-visa.gov.uz. Additionally, Uzbekistan has established visa-free regimes for citizens under 16 and for those over 55 from specific countries.
Moreover, citizens of Azerbaijan, for example, can visit the country without a passport, only with an ID card.
In resume, To accelerate tourism-related investment, the Uzbek government has launched various initiatives, including:
- Tax exemptions for tourism businesses: Investors in hotel construction and tourism services enjoy several years of tax relief.
- Public-private partnerships (PPPs): Government collaboration with private investors in infrastructure and hospitality projects.
- Simplified visa policies: Over 90 countries now benefit from a simplified visa process, increasing tourism demand.
- Heritage preservation funding: Financial support for businesses that incorporate heritage conservation into their development projects.
Moreover, special economic zones have been established to attract international investors. These zones offer tax reductions, duty-free import allowances, and streamlined business registration processes, making it easier for foreign entities to enter the market
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
- (UzDaily.com) Uzbekistan Sets New Tourism Record: Nearly 1.1 Million Foreign Visitors in May
- Olimovich, D. I. (2015). Tourism potential of Uzbekistan. Lucrările Seminarului Geografic” Dimitrie Cantemir”, 40, 125-130.
- World Mag 13th.pdf
