Uzbekistan Aims to Double Russian Tourist Arrivals
In 2024, Uzbekistan is aiming to significantly increase the number of tourists visiting the country. According to a decree from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the country hopes to attract 1.46 million tourists annually. This includes a specific goal of attracting 1.46 million tourists from Russia, which is double the number from the previous year.
The plan to achieve this ambitious goal involves several strategies. One key initiative is the “Year of Tourism of Uzbekistan in Russia” program, which aims to promote travel to Uzbekistan in major Russian cities. Additionally, a marketing campaign called “Travel to Uzbekistan” will be launched in Russian cities to further encourage tourism. Another tactic involves implementing a system of transport discounts for tour operators to make travel to Uzbekistan more accessible and affordable.
This focus on attracting tourists from Russia is part of a larger effort to boost overall tourism in Uzbekistan. The country hopes to increase the total number of foreign tourists to 9.96 million in 2024, a 1.5 times increase from 2023.
Uzbekistan has seen promising growth in tourism from Russian citizens in recent years. In 2023, the number of Russian tourists visiting Uzbekistan increased by 25.8% compared to the previous year, reaching 714.2 thousand people. With the new initiatives in place, Uzbekistan is aiming to build on this momentum and further strengthen its position as a popular tourist destination for Russian travelers.
As part of the country’s tourism strategy, Uzbekistan continues to prioritize its partnership with Russia. Russian tourists currently rank fourth in terms of visiting Uzbekistan, with only guests from Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan visiting in larger numbers. By focusing on attracting more tourists from Russia, Uzbekistan aims to solidify its position as a top destination for travelers from its neighbor to the north.
Overall, Uzbekistan’s efforts to increase tourism show a commitment to further developing its travel industry and attracting visitors from around the world, with a particular emphasis on the important market of Russian tourists.
