Tashkent is actively developing not only as the political and economic center of Uzbekistan but also as a modern tourism destination. Large-scale construction projects, the implementation of new hotels and gastronomic establishments, and the creation of convenient infrastructure for visitors are constantly enhancing the city's standing on the international tourist map.
In the first six months of 2026, Tashkent welcomed over 7.3 million tourists, including 3.2 million foreigners and 4.1 million local visitors. These figures clearly demonstrate the annual growth in interest in the capital. Furthermore, the export of tourism services reached 1.3 billion US dollars, strengthening the strategic importance of the sector for the city's economy.
The increase in tourists has stimulated the expansion of tourism infrastructure. In the first half of this year, 140 new accommodation facilities were launched in Tashkent, including modern hotels, hostels, family guesthouses, and other types of housing. Additionally, 203 new tourism enterprises were created, bringing the total number to 2,673. This significantly expands the choice and quality of services offered to guests.
One of the key areas of tourism development is the creation of gastronomic and pedestrian streets. Currently, 26 such tourist and gastronomic streets, spanning a total length of 27.2 kilometers, operate in Tashkent, providing services for over a thousand trade and service establishments. The addition of dozens of foreign brands to hundreds of businesses operating around the clock further increases the capital's international appeal.
These initiatives bring substantial economic benefits. Over 4,900 permanent jobs have been created in the new tourist zones, and tax revenues have tripled. This shows that tourism is becoming not only a service industry but also an important sector ensuring employment and stimulating economic growth. Construction in Tashkent continues: 18 new commercial, tourist, and gastronomic streets, as well as three modern embankment parks, are currently under construction. After these projects are completed, the capital is expected to become an even more comfortable, modern, and attractive place for tourists.
Special attention is being paid to the development of domestic tourism. Under the 'Travel Around Uzbekistan!' program, over 1.1 million residents of Tashkent visited various regions of the country for travel and excursions in the first six months of this year. This promotes the culture of domestic tourism among citizens and the wide promotion of the tourism potential of various regions.
Today, Tashkent is shaping up as a city that combines history and modernity, characterized by hospitality, convenient infrastructure, and high-quality service. The achieved results confirm that the capital is strengthening its position not only as a leading tourist center of Uzbekistan but also as one of the most dynamically developing and attractive megacities in Central Asia.
In recent years, Uzbekistan has been establishing a firm place on the international tourism map. This trend is confirmed not only by the flow of tourists but also by statistics from one of the world's major travel platforms, 'Expedia Group.'
According to data from the company 'Expedia', internet searches for traveling to Uzbekistan in June 2026 increased by 54% compared to the same period last year, indicating that interest in the country is growing globally, not just regionally.
This interest is turning into practical actions: the number of bookings formalized through 'Expedia' has grown by approximately 46%, and the purchase of airline tickets has increased by 23%. This means that people are not just reading about or watching videos about Uzbekistan, but are also implementing their travel plans.
The highest rate of interest was recorded in the USA and Japan. Additionally, countries such as Great Britain, Germany, France, and South Korea are joining the list of tourist markets frequently searched for Uzbekistan.
Tourists' main choice currently leans towards the cities of Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara, but the prestige of other historical cities like Khiva is also growing year by year. The increase in interest in Khiva shows an eagerness for Ichan-Qala and ancient architectural heritage.
82.9% of the bookings confirmed on the 'Expedia' platform are scheduled for July-September 2026, which gives confidence that the autumn tourism season in Uzbekistan will be even more active. This growth is not accidental; the introduction of new international air routes, the simplification of visas, the country's active participation in international exhibitions, and the display of its rich cultural heritage are showing their results.
Currently, Uzbekistan is recognized not only as a center of the Silk Road but also as a safe and hospitable country. While 'Expedia Group' statistics confirm that the world is discovering Uzbekistan, the current important task is to solidify this interest with high-quality services, new tourism products, and good service.
The Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan has adopted a decision on introducing additional support measures for business entities organizing events in the republic that contribute to increasing tourist flow (MICE tourism).
According to this decision, a regulation has been approved regarding the procedure for refunding 50 percent of the value-added tax (VAT) amount actually paid into the republican budget to business entities conducting events in the republic to increase tourist flow.
This regulation establishes requirements for business entities organizing MICE events; defines the procedure for submitting applications and the list of necessary documents; regulates the procedure for reviewing applications and making decisions; as well as the mechanism for calculating the refunded funds. Furthermore, it provides for the financing of these amounts from the republican budget and their transfer to the business entity's bank account.
The Tourism Committee, together with the Tax Committee, will introduce the procedure for submitting applications through the Unified National Tourism Platform within three months for the refund of part of the VAT paid to the budget to business entities in accordance with the approved regulation.
This regulation establishes the procedure for refunding 50% of the VAT amount actually paid into the republican budget to business entities that organize international conferences and events on the territory of the Republic of Uzbekistan and ensure the participation of at least 100 foreign tourists in such events. This norm does not apply to excess tax amounts arising from the submission of amended tax returns.
Uzbekistan is strengthening its position on the global tourism map thanks not only to its rich historical heritage but also to its open tourism policy, development of modern infrastructure, and expansion of international ties.
The country, previously known mainly as a place for sightseeing or historical tourism, today attracts significant interest in areas such as cultural, gastronomic, ecological, medical, and business tourism. These trends are clearly reflected in statistical data.
According to the National Statistical Committee, 6 million 565 thousand 410 foreign citizens arrived in Uzbekistan for tourism purposes in January-June 2026. This figure exceeds the same period last year by 1.3 million people, which represents a growth of 24.9 percent.
Neighboring countries contributed the most to the number of tourists: 1.87 million people came from the Kyrgyz Republic, 1.55 million from Kazakhstan, and 1.47 million from Tajikistan. These figures indicate the strengthening of regional tourist ties, border cooperation, and the development of transport routes.
Furthermore, Uzbekistan's international appeal is increasing due to the arrival of 585.5 thousand tourists from Russia, 238.9 thousand from Afghanistan, and 223.4 thousand from China. Other countries that sent a large number of tourists include Turkmenistan, Turkey, India, and Germany.
According to analysts, the main reasons for the increase in the number of tourists are the expansion of the visa-free entry regime, the launch of new flights, the development of hotel infrastructure, active promotion of the country at international exhibitions, as well as growing interest in historic cities such as Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, and Shahrisabz.
Today, Uzbekistan attracts foreigners not only with monuments of history and architecture but also with modern tourist services, national cuisine, festivals, and ecological tourism destinations. This further strengthens the country's status as one of the most competitive tourist centers in Central Asia.
Given plans to implement new international flights, joint tourist routes, and major international events in the second half of the year, it is expected that the number of foreign visitors to Uzbekistan will reach even higher levels by the end of 2026.
