Cooperation between Uzbekistan and Serbia in the field of tourism is gradually reaching a new level. Although bilateral tourism ties are still at an early stage of development, the two countries have significant potential for expanding mutual tourism, jointly promoting tourism products and exchanging experience in promising areas of the industry.

Uzbekistan and Serbia boast rich historical and cultural heritage, distinctive traditions and diverse tourism resources. For Serbia, particular interest lies in its historical and cultural centers of Belgrade, Novi Sad, Niš, Kragujevac and Subotica, as well as the Zlatibor natural and recreational area. Uzbekistan, in turn, offers unique monuments of the Great Silk Road, the ancient cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and Shahrisabz, as well as broad opportunities for the development of cultural, gastronomic, pilgrimage, ecotourism and other types of tourism.

An important step in strengthening bilateral cooperation was the signing, on October 28, 2025, of the Intergovernmental Agreement between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Serbia on cooperation in the field of tourism.

The agreement provides a framework for expanding cooperation between relevant government authorities, tourism organizations and business representatives of the two countries. Promising areas include the exchange of experience, promotion of tourism potential, development of tourism products, attraction of investment and expansion of tourist exchanges.

Another factor contributing to the growth of mutual travel is the visa-free entry regime for Serbian citizens traveling to Uzbekistan, which has been in effect since 2019.

Serbia has significant potential for tourism development. Tourism plays a notable role in the Serbian economy. In 2024, the country's tourism-related foreign exchange revenues amounted to approximately €2.5 billion, increasing to around €2.9 billion in 2025.

In 2024, the gross value added generated by Serbia's tourism sector amounted to approximately €1.8 billion, or 2.1 percent of the country's GDP. Meanwhile, around 113,600 people were employed in the tourism sector in 2025, accounting for 4.9 percent of total employment.

These figures demonstrate Serbia's considerable experience in developing its tourism industry and offer valuable opportunities for practical experience-sharing with Uzbekistan.

Film tourism is regarded as a promising area for promoting tourism potential. Hosting the production of foreign films and television series in Uzbekistan and Serbia could enhance the international visibility of tourism destinations, attract new categories of travelers and encourage joint projects between representatives of the creative industries of the two countries.

Alongside film tourism, promising areas for experience-sharing include wine, gastronomic and medical tourism. Uzbekistan is particularly interested in Serbia's experience in developing gastronomic and wine routes, while Serbia could benefit from Uzbekistan's rich culinary traditions, historical and cultural heritage, and opportunities in medical and wellness tourism.

One of the priorities for further cooperation could be to intensify joint information and marketing activities. In particular, familiarization tours for Serbian journalists, travel bloggers, tour operators and tourism industry representatives could be highly effective.

Such visits would provide an opportunity to introduce representatives of the Serbian market directly to the tourism opportunities of Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and other regions of Uzbekistan, while also facilitating the development of new itineraries and tourism packages.

Serbia's regular participation in the Tashkent International Tourism Fair “Tourism on the Silk Road” could also play an important role in promotion. The participation of Serbian tour operators, hotel companies and specialized organizations would help expand professional contacts, facilitate B2B meetings and provide a direct platform for presenting Serbia's tourism potential to the Uzbek market.

Improving transport connectivity is one of the key conditions for further growth in tourist exchanges. In this regard, a promising area of cooperation is exploring the possibility of establishing regular direct air service between Tashkent and Belgrade.

Regular business missions, B2B meetings, thematic seminars and familiarization tours would help establish sustainable links between tour operators and other tourism market participants.

Cooperation between Uzbekistan and Serbia in tourism has strong prospects for further development. The existing legal framework, growing tourist flows, the visa-free regime and expanding professional contacts are creating the necessary conditions for moving toward larger-scale joint initiatives.

Looking ahead, the development of direct air connectivity, joint promotion of tourism opportunities, exchange of expertise in specialized tourism segments and the creation of joint tourism routes could become important areas for strengthening tourism ties between the two countries and advancing bilateral tourist exchanges to a new level.

Uzbekistan, with its rich cultural heritage, historical monuments and beautiful nature, is among the states that pay great attention to the development of tourism. The Strategy "Uzbekistan - 2030" sets the task of increasing the number of tourists by creating broad conditions for the development of foreign and domestic tourism.

In terms of the number of foreign tourists, Uzbekistan has reached 98% of the level observed before the pandemic. In particular, 6.748 million foreign tourists visited the country in 2019, and by 2023, this number amounted to 6.626 million. This indicates the rapid recovery of the tourism industry in our country.

In order to attract more foreign tourists, Uzbekistan is taking practical measures to simplify the visa regime, develop new destinations, attract investment in projects related to this industry and hold major events. For example, in 2023, 508 projects with a total value of 9.5 trillion soums were implemented, which created 9,492 new jobs. 183 new hotels and 232 hostels were opened, with the total number of accommodation facilities reaching 5,526. In addition, 452 family guesthouses were established, the total number of which reached 3,458. With the opening of 810 new tourism organizations and travel agencies, their total number increased to 2,649.

From 2017 to 2023, the number of foreign tourists visiting Uzbekistan has increased significantly. In particular, in 2017, 2.7 million people visited the country, and in 2023, this figure amounted to 6.6 million, which is 2.5 times more than in 2017 and 1.3 times more than in 2022.

The number of tourists from Japan in 2023 increased 5 times, from India and Italy 3.5 times, and from the United States 2 times. In 2023, foreign tourists from neighboring countries accounted for 80.7%, as well as 11.5% from other CIS countries and 7.8% from other countries. The average duration of stay of tourists increased to 4-5 days, which is 1.5 times more compared to 2022 (3 days). This indicates the creation of all necessary conditions for comfortable stay of tourists in the country.

Domestic tourism is also developing rapidly. Within the framework of the program "Travel Uzbekistan!" 15 million people traveled around the country, making 21 million visits to various regions. As social support, 1,100 people with disabilities and 570,000 young people were sent on trips.

In 2023, tourism services exports totaled $2.1435 billion, a 1.3-fold increase from 2022. Also, about 70 thousand new jobs were created in tourism and related industries. This shows that the country has created all necessary conditions for tourists, which contributes to economic growth and improvement of living standards of the population.

The development of tourism also contributes to achieving high positions of the country in international rankings. For example, in the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI-2023) Uzbekistan ranked 13th among 140 countries in terms of international pilgrimage tourism. At the Halal In Travel Awards 2023 ceremony, the city of Khiva was honored as the Islamic Heritage Tourism Destination of the Year.

At the 25th session of the UNWTO General Assembly held in 2023 in Samarkand city, Sentob village in Navoi region won the nomination "Best Tourism Village of 2023". In addition, the international publishing house Lonely Planet awarded Uzbekistan a special certificate in the nomination "Best Tourist Destination 2024".

Uzbekistan's inclusion in the list of the best countries for travel in 2024, according to the World of Statistics announcement, contributes to an increase in the number of foreign tourists and the volume of exports of tourism services. All this helps to strengthen the country's international image.

In general, the current state of Uzbekistan's tourism industry and its development trends demonstrate positive results. The analysis of measures taken for further development of tourism and prospects for the future confirms the strategic importance of this industry. In addition, the tasks on tourism development envisioned in the strategy "Uzbekistan - 2030" contribute to increasing the population's income, creating new jobs and ensuring the welfare of the people.



Iskandar Urokboyev,

Chief Specialist of the Department for Monitoring and Analysis of Economic Reforms of the Development Strategy Center

Registration Instructions for the Tashkent International Marathon

Method 1. Online Registration on ProRun.uz

1. Go to prorun.uz.
2. In the main menu, select Tashkent International Marathon.
3. Create an account on the website:
• fill in all required fields;
• upload a profile photo for your avatar (you may use any suitable image).
4. Click “Register”.
5. Choose one of the available distances: 5 km, 10 km, 21 km, or 42 km.
6. Read the competition regulations and terms and confirm your agreement by checking the box.
7. Choose a convenient payment method:
• local payment systems, or
• VISA / Mastercard.
8. Enter your payment details and complete the payment.
9. After successful payment, a QR code will appear in your personal account. You must present this QR code when collecting your race kit.
10. An email with a PDF document confirming your registration will be sent to the email address you provided.

Method 2. Registration by Email

(for teams, companies, organizations, and countries)

You can submit your application by sending an email to:
info@prorun.uz

Email subject line should be:
Application for Tashkent International Marathon / Name of the team, company, or country

You must attach an Excel file to the email with the following columns filled in:

1. Name
2. Surname
3. Date of Birth
4. Gender (male / female)
5. Distance (5 K, 10 K, 21 K, 42 K)
6. Team (name of the team / company / country)
7. Email
8. Personal Tel (personal contact phone number)
9. Emergency Tel (emergency contact phone number)

After processing your application, the organizers will contact you by email and provide further instructions regarding payment and registration confirmation.

Method 3. Registration via Telegram Bot

You can also register via the official Telegram bot:
👉 @prorunuzbot

The registration process via the Telegram bot is the same as online registration on ProRun.uz:
— you will fill in your participant details step by step;
— choose a distance;
— confirm your agreement with the regulations;
— select a payment method and complete the payment;
— after successful registration, you will receive a confirmation and a QR code to collect your race kit.

Event Program

Saturday, April 4, HUMO Arena

Kids Run — 17:00
Fireworks — 19:30
Concert — 19:35–21:00

Sunday, April 5, HUMO Arena

05:00 — Opening of the старт village
06:00 — Marathon start (42 km)
07:30 — Half marathon start (21 km)
09:00 — 10 km race start
10:00 — Press conference and awards ceremony (42 km, 21 km, 10 km)
11:00 — 5 km Fun Run start
12:00 — Event closing

Tashkent International Marathon: International Standards, a Certified Course, Records, and the Image of Uzbekistan’s Future

Tashkent, Uzbekistan — On April 5, 2026, the capital of Uzbekistan will host the Tashkent International Marathon, the country’s largest international mass running event, bringing together more than 15,000 participants from over 30 countries, as well as thousands of spectators and visitors to the city.

The Tashkent International Marathon has been held for the eighth consecutive year and has become one of the country’s key sporting traditions. Each year, the number of participants steadily grows, reflecting the increasing interest in running, mass sports, and an active lifestyle. The marathon is not only a competition but also an important social project: the participation of citizens helps shape a healthy generation and a strong, active nation, and strengthens the values of physical culture and a healthy way of life.

The project is also a large-scale international platform that brings together sport, urban development, modern technologies, and the image positioning of Uzbekistan on the global stage.

Вот полный, аккуратный и профессионально звучащий перевод на английский:

Ideology: The Image of the Future

The ideological concept of the Tashkent International Marathon reflects Uzbekistan’s strategic course toward development and modernization:

— the country’s intention to send its first astronaut since independence into space as a symbol of a scientific and technological breakthrough;
— the image of modern Tashkent as a dynamically developing capital;
— the development of financial markets and the investment environment;
— digitalization and the implementation of artificial intelligence;
— modern approaches to governance and infrastructure;
— a focus on progress, innovation, and human potential.

Thus, the marathon becomes not only a sporting event, but also an ideological, image-building, and communication project that demonstrates the country’s course toward the future.

New Uzbekistan: Integration with the World Through Sport and Openness

The Tashkent International Marathon reflects the course of reforms being implemented within the framework of the “New Uzbekistan” strategy, aimed at strengthening international cooperation, openness, and the country’s integration into the global space.

The development of international sports projects has become an important part of modern state policy, where sport is seen as a tool for:

— expanding international humanitarian ties;
— promoting a positive image of the country;
— developing tourism and investment attractiveness;
— shaping an open and modern urban environment.

The marathon brings together participants from dozens of countries, demonstrating the practical implementation of the principles of openness and intercultural dialogue. Hosting an event of international level confirms the transformation of Tashkent into a dynamic global city where modern technologies, sustainable development, and new standards for organizing public events come together.

In the context of the reforms of New Uzbekistan, the development of mass sports is viewed as an element of strengthening human capital, social activity, and the country’s integration into the global sporting community.

International Status and Quality Standards

Since 2022, the Tashkent International Marathon has held the World Athletics Label — an official quality mark from the international governing body World Athletics for road races (marathons, half marathons, 10 km races, and others).

Holding the World Athletics Label means that the event meets strict international requirements and has passed an audit under World Athletics standards. In particular, this confirms that:

— the marathon course is certified and accurately measured;
— a professional timing system is used and results are correctly recorded;
— international standards of safety, medical support, and event organization are observed;
— race results are officially recognized and can be used for rankings, records, and qualifications;
— an international level of participants is ensured and transparent, unified rules apply to all;
— the event has passed inspection and audit for compliance with World Athletics requirements.

In addition, the marathon course holds an AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races) certificate, confirming the accuracy of the distance measurement and compliance with international standards for road races.

Inclusion and Social Mission

The Tashkent International Marathon is implemented in cooperation with the Agency for Social Protection of the Republic of Uzbekistan and follows the principles of inclusion and equal opportunities. The concept of the project is based not on separating people with disabilities, but on adapting the format of participation.

All participants start from the same старт line and cover the same distance. The only differentiation is based on the means of completing the distance (for example, wheelchairs or special devices) and on award categories, of which six are предусмотрено. This approach ensures a fair, transparent system of results evaluation in line with international practice.

As part of the development of the inclusive format of the event, the participation of handbike athletes (wheelchair marathoners) in the full marathon distance of 42.2 km is also planned. Their participation will become part of the concept of adaptation rather than separation and will emphasize the openness of the marathon to different formats of sport and ways of completing the distance.

This approach highlights the philosophy of the Tashkent International Marathon as a truly unifying event, where sport becomes a tool for social integration, equality, and mutual respect, and participation in the race becomes a symbol of an open and inclusive society that meets modern international standards for organizing mass sporting events.

Organizer

The organizer of the Tashkent International Marathon is ProRun.

The Race Director of the marathon is Andrey Kulikov, who has more than 8 years of experience in organizing creative marathons and international-level running events.

In 2025, Andrey Kulikov completed a specialized race director program in New York, and in 2026 he will implement the acquired standards and best international practices together with the Uzbekistan Athletics Federation.

Start, Finish, and Course

The start and finish of the Tashkent International Marathon will be located at HUMO Arena.

The marathon course will run along the central streets of Tashkent, covering key city avenues and iconic landmarks of the capital.

The route is laid out as follows:

— from the intersection near HUMO Arena to Nukusskaya Street (Shox Med Center area);
— then past Bobur Eco Park and the “Courage” Monument;
— then to the intersection of Abdulla Qadiri Street and Abay Street (near the Korzinka supermarket).

This route design makes it possible to showcase the modern image of Tashkent and create a spectacular urban course of international level.

Opening Ceremony

On April 4, 2026, at 19:00, the official opening ceremony of the Tashkent International Marathon will take place at HUMO Arena. The program includes:

— a parade of participants from different countries, highlighting the international status of the event;
— a festive concert and cultural program for residents and guests of the capital.

The opening ceremony will become a bright, standalone event in the city’s life and will emphasize the status of the marathon as a major international sporting and cultural project. The opening ceremony is open to everyone.

Starter Pack and Participation Conditions

Each registered participant of the Tashkent International Marathon will receive an official starter pack, which includes:

— a race bib number;
— an electronic timing chip for accurate result recording;
— the official marathon T-shirt;
— a finisher’s medal (for everyone who completes the distance);
— water and refreshments on the course and at the finish;
— access to event services (bag storage, medical support, recovery area);
— an electronic participant certificate and official result.

The participation fee is 300,000 (three hundred thousand) UZS per participant.

Special conditions are available for corporate teams and company entries. Participation in the marathon is open to both professional athletes and amateurs, making the event truly mass and unifying.

Prize Money

Marathon (42.2 km):
— 1st place — 65 million UZS
— 2nd place — 40 million UZS
— 3rd place — 25 million UZS

Half Marathon (21.1 km):
— 1st place — 15 million UZS
— 2nd place — 12 million UZS
— 3rd place — 10 million UZS

10 km:
— 1st place — 8 million UZS
— 2nd place — 6 million UZS
— 3rd place — 4 million UZS

5 km:
— 1st place — 3 million UZS
— 2nd place — 2 million UZS
— 3rd place — 1 million UZS

Course Records

Marathon (42.2 km):
— Men: Vladislav Primov (Belarus) — 2:18:39
— Women: Ekaterina Tunguskova (Uzbekistan) — 2:40:58

Half Marathon (21.1 km):
— Men: Rinas Akhmadeev (Russia) — 1:03:22 (record)
— Women: Maria Korobitskaya (Kazakhstan) — 1:12:53

10 km:
— Men: Hasan Mirsoatov (Uzbekistan) — 33:32
— Women: Azizakhon Mirzakbarova (Uzbekistan) — 38:49

About the Marathon in Brief

The Tashkent International Marathon is an international mass running event held in Tashkent, with an AIMS-certified course and World Athletics Label status since 2022. The project brings together sport, urban development, and modern ideology, shaping the image of Uzbekistan as a country oriented toward the future, innovation, and sustainable development.

Uzbekistan is becoming an increasingly sought-after destination for international travel. From January to July 2026, the country welcomed around 7.75 million foreign tourists — up 22.6 percent year-on-year. Over the same period, tourism service exports reached roughly $3.9 billion. Against this backdrop, the Republic of Korea remains one of the leading long-haul markets for Uzbekistan's tourism industry.

Interest among Korean travelers in Uzbekistan continues to grow. In January–July 2026, Korea ranked third among long-haul markets by number of tourists visiting Uzbekistan, behind only China and Turkey. During this period, 26,500 tourists arrived from the Republic of Korea. Current figures already exceed pre-pandemic levels: Uzbekistan was visited by 35,500 Korean citizens in 2019, 41,300 in 2024, and 46,300 in 2025 — almost a third more than in 2019.

Behind this growth lie concrete changes. Korean travelers don't need to arrange a visa in advance: a 30-day visa-free regime has been in place for them since February 2018. Uzbekistan and the Republic of Korea are connected by direct flights. Together, visa-free travel and direct air links make trips between the two countries considerably more accessible and convenient.

But accessibility is only one side of the equation. To encourage more travelers to choose Uzbekistan, the country needs a real presence on the Korean tourism market itself — working with tour operators, clear itineraries and offers, destination promotion, and service that meets guests' expectations.

That's why direct ties between the tourism businesses of the two countries are becoming increasingly important. In October 2024, the Uzbek-Korean Tourism Forum in Seoul brought together more than 100 industry representatives. Uzbekistan presented its cultural heritage and tourism potential, while Uzbek tour operators and airlines showcased routes and offers for the Korean market. B2B meetings were a central part of the program, allowing companies from both countries to discuss trip organization to Uzbekistan directly.

This work is set to continue through closer engagement with the Korea Association of Travel Agents (KATA). Initiatives under consideration include joint events involving the tourism business community and promotion of Uzbekistan as a tourism destination in the Republic of Korea. In turn, Korean companies are expected to be drawn more actively into the Tashkent International Tourism Fair (TITF).

There's also a less visible but no less important part of the cooperation — service quality. To work with the Korean market, Uzbekistan needs specialists who speak the language and better understand guests' needs. Currently there aren't enough such guides, which is why expanding their training has been singled out as a separate area of future work.

Here, the Republic of Korea could become not just a source of tourists but a partner in developing the industry itself. Together with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), plans under discussion include bringing Korean experts into Uzbekistan's tourism education institutions, training and experience exchange, and organizing training programs for specialists in the Republic of Korea. It has also been proposed to open a Korean language and culture center at the International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage "Silk Road" in Samarkand.

This kind of professional exchange is already underway. In May of this year, representatives of Uzbekistan's Tourism Committee took part in the KOPIST High-Level Tourism Policy Forum organized by the Republic of Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. And in June, an Uzbek project took first place at the KOPIST-2026 tourism project presentation.

The cooperation between the two countries also rests on a long-standing institutional foundation. An intergovernmental agreement on tourism has been in place since 2012. Now it's proposed to take the next step — developing a separate agreement between the relevant agencies of both countries, along with an action plan to increase tourism exchange.

Today the task goes beyond simply increasing the number of trips. It's about consistently linking the factors that directly shape a traveler's choice: convenient connections, accessibility, appealing tourism offers, and quality service — while also connecting tour operators, educational institutions, and relevant organizations in Uzbekistan and the Republic of Korea. It is precisely in these areas that new opportunities for tourism cooperation between the two countries are now emerging.

In recent years, Uzbekistan and Qatar have been deepening their cooperation in the field of tourism, transforming mutual interest into tangible joint projects. Tourism has become more than an economic sector — it serves as a bridge between cultures, offering the peoples of both countries an opportunity to discover each other’s rich history, spiritual traditions, and modern identity.

The foundation of this partnership lies in the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two governments in 2010. This document marked the first step toward a structured dialogue, and the following years have shown both sides’ readiness to enrich their cooperation with concrete initiatives.

Step by step, collaboration in the tourism field has taken on a more sustainable character, reaching a qualitatively new level in 2025. One of the key decisions was the introduction of a visa-free regime for Qatari citizens for stays of up to thirty days. This milestone has expanded tourism exchange and clearly demonstrated Uzbekistan’s openness to visitors from the Persian Gulf.

Active cooperation in the field of tourism is maintained at a high level. In recent years, Uzbekistan has repeatedly showcased its potential at international venues in Doha, taking part in exhibitions, forums, and presentations. The country’s national stands attract great interest from tourism professionals and the general public alike. They highlight everything Uzbekistan is renowned for — its ancient cities, UNESCO World Heritage sites, traditional crafts, cuisine, and the warm hospitality of its Eastern culture.

In 2025, a highlight of the bilateral calendar was the Uzbekistan–Qatar International Tourism Forum, held in Doha during the summer. The forum became an important platform for exchanging experience, building partnerships, and discussing joint projects in the tourism sector.

Representatives of tourism companies, airlines, and the hospitality industry from both countries discussed opportunities to promote travel routes, organize familiarization tours, and develop infrastructure. As a result, agreements were reached on several joint initiatives aimed at increasing tourist flows and enhancing Uzbekistan’s visibility in the Qatari market.

Alongside business cooperation, image-building and cultural projects are also thriving. At the initiative of the Tourism Committee and the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Qatar, a large-scale media campaign was launched in Doha in 2025: videos about Uzbekistan were displayed on giant LED screens along the city’s main streets.

Alongside business cooperation, image-building and cultural projects are also thriving. At the initiative of the Tourism Committee and the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Qatar, a large-scale media campaign was launched in Doha in 2025: videos about Uzbekistan were displayed on giant LED screens along the city’s main streets.

The footage featured the majestic domes of Samarkand and Bukhara, mountain landscapes, vibrant bazaars, and modern Tashkent. This visual campaign became part of a broader strategy to promote the country’s image and strengthen cultural ties between the two nations.

Uzbekistan’s participation in major international exhibitions in Qatar continues to attract considerable attention. The national stands traditionally highlight tourism routes as well as initiatives in pilgrimage, gastronomic, and eco-tourism, alongside cultural heritage projects. Visitors note the country’s unique combination of authenticity and modernity, which makes Uzbekistan stand out as a dynamic destination, one that can both surprise and inspire.

The Qatari audience increasingly views Uzbekistan as a new and appealing destination for travelers. This growing interest is reinforced by ongoing efforts to promote the country through Arab media and digital platforms.

Cultural exchange also plays a vital role. The organization of thematic exhibitions, gastronomic festivals, and Uzbek Culture Weeks in Doha provides a strong foundation for humanitarian cooperation. These initiatives showcase Uzbekistan’s tourism potential and foster mutual understanding and respect between the peoples of both nations.

A new model of cooperation is gradually emerging, in which tourism serves not merely as an economic driver but as a key instrument of people-to-people diplomacy. Through travel, joint projects, and exchanges of expertise, Uzbekistan and Qatar continue to discover each other’s traditions, contemporary life, and future potential.

The growing tourism partnership between the two countries reflects a broader trend of Uzbekistan strengthening its ties with the countries of the Persian Gulf. Shared values of hospitality, a deep respect for cultural heritage, and a commitment to building bridges between Central Asia and the Arab world provide a solid foundation for long-term collaboration.

Uzbekistan and Qatar are not just developing tourism — they are creating a space of trust, exchange, and inspiration. This dialogue of cultures, which began with diplomatic agreements, is evolving into a living story of connection between people, traditions, and ideas, uniting the two nations and opening new horizons for future cooperation.

On 20 November of the current year, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan adopted Resolution No. PQ-350 entitled “On the Establishment and Organization of the Activities of the Samarkand Campus of the International Tourism Academy under the Auspices of the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism)”.

In accordance with the Resolution, the following key performance objectives have been defined for the activities of the Samarkand Campus of the International Tourism Academy (hereinafter referred to as the Academy), established under the auspices of the World Tourism Organization of the United Nations, including:

• establishing cooperation with one of the world’s top-10 ranked educational institutions and launching the training of highly qualified specialists;

• organizing professional development courses of up to one month and retraining programs of up to eight months.

The Academy shall operate within the structure of the “Silk Road” International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage. Educational activities at the Academy shall be carried out in accordance with the education formats applicable in the Republic of Uzbekistan and shall be conducted in Uzbek, Russian, and English.

Starting from 1 December 2025:

• specialists of tourism sector entities shall undergo retraining and professional development on a contractual basis;

• annually, 100 talented specialists from member states of the World Tourism Organization shall be awarded special grants to pursue retraining and professional development programs at the Academy.

Around 1.18 million foreign tourists arrived in the country in July alone

A total of 7,749,308 foreign nationals visited Uzbekistan for tourism purposes in January–July 2026.

Tourist flow increased by 1.4 million people, or 22.6 percent, compared with the same period last year.

The largest number of tourists arrived from neighbouring countries. In particular, 2,177,108 visitors came from the Kyrgyz Republic, 1,855,562 from Kazakhstan, and 1,728,978 from Tajikistan.

They were followed by Russia with 710,824 visitors, Afghanistan - 281,200, China - 269,735, Turkmenistan - 192,830, Türkiye - 111,908, India - 32,462, and the Republic of Korea - 26,512.

Thus, around 1.18 million foreign tourists visited Uzbekistan in July alone. At the same time, the growth in tourist flows has continued throughout the year.

It should be recalled that more than 6.5 million foreign nationals visited Uzbekistan in the first half of 2026, which was nearly 25 percent higher than the figure recorded during the same period last year.

The sustained positive dynamics demonstrate the continued expansion of tourist flows to Uzbekistan and the strengthening of the country’s position as one of the region’s sought-after tourist destinations.

Dunyo IA,

Tashkent

Central Asia continues to strengthen its position as one of the world's most promising tourism destinations, attracting an increasing number of travelers thanks to its rich historical and cultural heritage, unique natural landscapes, and expanding regional cooperation. Uzbekistan plays a key role in this process by consistently implementing large-scale tourism reforms, improving tourism infrastructure, and actively promoting the country's tourism potential on the international stage. During the first half of 2026, Uzbekistan welcomed more than 6.5 million foreign visitors for tourism purposes, nearly 25% more than during the same period last year. In May and June alone, the country received over 2.5 million international tourists, confirming the steady growth of global interest in Uzbekistan's tourism offerings.

Kyrgyzstan remains one of Uzbekistan's key regional partners. During the first six months of 2026, tourist arrivals from Kyrgyzstan continued to grow steadily, reflecting the strong tourism ties between the two countries and the progressive development of bilateral cooperation.

The growth in mutual tourist exchanges is the result of systematic efforts to expand cooperation in the tourism sector. Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan continue to strengthen their partnership through intergovernmental agreements and joint programs. Their cooperation covers a broad range of areas, including the promotion of joint tourism routes, participation in international tourism events, the organization of familiarization tours, the exchange of expertise, and the implementation of joint tourism development initiatives.

New opportunities for expanding bilateral cooperation have emerged following the proposal by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, to establish the Central Asia Tourism Ring. The initiative was announced in May 2026 during the Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank. It aims to create an integrated tourism space across Central Asia and provide additional opportunities for promoting multi-country travel routes, making the region even more attractive to visitors from third countries.

Today, cooperation between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan extends well beyond the traditional exchange of tourists. Both countries are focusing on developing integrated tourism products primarily designed for travelers from third countries. Their shared historical and cultural heritage provides a strong foundation for creating itineraries that combine Silk Road landmarks, cultural attractions, and natural destinations across both Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. The two countries are already jointly promoting such routes as "Journey Along the Silk Road" and "Journey Through the Natural Attractions of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan," while also developing other collaborative tourism initiatives.

International tourism exhibitions, forums, and industry events remain important platforms for strengthening bilateral cooperation. Kyrgyzstan is one of the regular participants in the Tashkent International Tourism Fair "Tourism on the Silk Road," while representatives of the tourism authorities of both countries regularly meet during events organized under the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. These meetings focus on increasing tourist flows, improving transport connectivity, promoting joint tourism routes, and expanding cooperation between tourism organizations.

In recent years, the two countries have organized reciprocal familiarization trips for tour operators, media tours, presentations showcasing the tourism potential of their regions, and joint educational programs. These initiatives facilitate the exchange of professional expertise, strengthen direct contacts between tourism industry representatives, and create new opportunities for promoting the tourism potential of both countries.

Among the most promising areas for future cooperation are the development of cross-border tourism, further improvement of border-crossing procedures, the promotion of new joint tourism routes, and closer collaboration within the concept of Central Asia as a single tourism destination. The implementation of these initiatives will create additional opportunities to increase mutual tourist flows and attract more international visitors from third-country markets.

The continued expansion of cooperation between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan demonstrates the strong potential of their tourism partnership. Growing tourist exchanges, the development of joint projects, and the implementation of new regional initiatives are laying a solid foundation for further strengthening tourism ties, enhancing Central Asia's competitiveness in the global tourism market, and promoting the region as an attractive destination for international travelers.

Starting April 1, 2026, a value-added tax refund (Tax Free) system for foreign citizens has been launched at all international airports in Uzbekistan.

The new system allows tourists to receive VAT refunds on goods purchased within the country. Refunds can be issued either in cash or transferred to a bank card. If a cashless method is chosen, the funds are credited within up to 3 business days after the goods are exported.

The minimum purchase amount eligible for a refund is 300,000 UZS (including VAT). Foreign citizens are refunded 85% of the VAT amount, while the remaining 15% is allocated to cover the services of the Tax Free system operator.

The previously limited list of goods eligible for Tax Free (with the exception of food products) has been abolished.

It is expected that the introduction of Tax Free will increase the country’s attractiveness for foreign tourists, contribute to the growth of retail trade, and support further development of the tourism sector.

In the future, the system is planned to be expanded in stages — in addition to airports, it will be introduced at railway stations and border customs checkpoints, as well as extended to a wider range of retail outlets, including the broader retail sector.

Special attention is being paid to digitalization: to simplify refund procedures, active use of modern information technologies and mobile solutions is planned.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/17nMg1wYgHffU-lzB_rVNniVP1oKq1hE2?usp=sharing

Dunyo IA

According to the Travel & Tourism Economic Impact Research 2026 report published by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), Central Asia was the world's fastest-growing tourism region in 2025.

WTTC conducts its annual research by dividing the world into 13 major regions. Based on the 2025 results, Central Asia ranked first globally across several key tourism performance indicators. Uzbekistan emerged as the regional leader, recording the strongest performance among the Central Asian countries across all of these indicators.

According to the report, the total contribution of travel and tourism to Central Asia's gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 17.7% in 2025, while the sector's direct contribution to GDP grew by 19.6%. Visitor exports reached $9.9 billion, representing a 26.4% increase compared to the previous year. Central Asia ranked first in the world in terms of growth in visitor exports. Nearly half of the region's total visitor exports came from Uzbekistan, which generated $4.8 billion in tourism exports in 2025.

According to WTTC data for 2025, Uzbekistan was the most popular travel destination for residents of Central Asia.

Report notes that Uzbekistan's leading position is driven by its rich historical and cultural heritage and its strong appeal to travellers from across the region. “Overall, these figures confirm the regional nature of tourism: residents of Central Asia travel within their own region more frequently than anywhere else”, the report states.

In addition, WTTC highlights the significant potential for creating a unified tourism space across Central Asia. According to the organization's experts, simplifying border procedures, expanding air connectivity and transport infrastructure, developing joint tourism routes, and promoting Central Asia as a single tourism destination will help attract more international visitors from other regions of the world.

According to the report, 64.3% of all tourism spending in Central Asia in 2025 came from international visitors, while 35.7% was generated by domestic tourism within the region. Among international visitor spending, 84.5% was related to leisure travel and 15.5% to business travel.

WTTC forecasts that by 2036, the total contribution of the travel and tourism sector to Central Asia's economy will reach $29.7 billion.

By the end of 2025, Uzbekistan is demonstrating strong and dynamic growth in its tourism sector. Nearly 12 million foreign tourists visited the country, marking a 16% increase compared to the previous year.

Tourism service exports exceeded USD 4.8 billion, confirming the growing international interest in Uzbekistan and strengthening its position as one of the most promising tourist destinations in the region.

These results have been achieved through consistent reforms in the tourism sector aimed at improving infrastructure, enhancing transport accessibility, digitalizing services, and creating favorable conditions for travelers. The country is actively implementing projects focused on developing tourism clusters, improving service quality, and expanding international cooperation.

The Republic has introduced simplified entry procedures for foreign citizens. Currently, visa-free entry is granted to citizens of 94 countries, an electronic visa system is available for 52 countries, and a five-day visa-free transit regime applies to 45 countries.

Against the backdrop of ongoing geopolitical instability in certain regions of the world, including mass protests and demonstrations in some countries, the importance of safety and comfort for tourists is becoming increasingly significant.

In this context, Uzbekistan maintains its status as a stable, safe, and hospitable country, open to all visitors regardless of nationality or religion. Traditions of respect, tolerance, and genuine hospitality are an integral part of Uzbek culture.

International rankings confirm the high level of safety in Uzbekistan. In recent years, the country has consistently ranked among the leading nations in global safety indices. In particular, according to the “International SOS Risk Map,” Uzbekistan is classified as a “Low Risk” destination, placing it alongside several European countries in terms of overall safety.

According to the “Numbeo Safety Index,” Uzbekistan ranks 25th out of 148 countries worldwide, demonstrating a consistently low level of crime. Furthermore, in the “Solo Female Travel Safety Index” and the “Safety Perceptions Index,” Uzbekistan ranks 1st globally, achieving one of the highest safety scores for solo female travelers. Additionally, in the “Gallup Global Law and Order Index,” the country has also been among the global leaders in terms of public safety and trust in law enforcement. Taken together, these assessments contribute to a strong international image of Uzbekistan as a safe, stable, and comfortable destination for tourists.

Today, Uzbekistan offers visitors not only the rich cultural and historical heritage of the Great Silk Road but also modern infrastructure, comfortable conditions, and an atmosphere of openness.

In recent years, the development of regional cooperation has become one of the key drivers of sustainable growth in the global tourism industry. An increasing number of travelers are choosing to explore entire regions rather than individual countries, attracted by their shared history, cultural heritage, and convenient transport connectivity. As a result, the development of cross-border tourism routes and the joint promotion of tourism products are now widely recognized as effective tools for enhancing international competitiveness.

Central Asia possesses unique advantages for creating such an integrated tourism space. The historic cities of the Great Silk Road, rich cultural heritage, diverse natural landscapes, and centuries-old traditions provide exceptional opportunities for developing virtually every modern form of tourism—from cultural and heritage tourism and pilgrimage tourism to gastronomic, ethnographic, ecotourism, adventure, and medical tourism.

One of the most significant initiatives in this area was proposed by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who put forward the idea of establishing the "Central Asia Tourism Ring"—a unified tourism area bringing together the countries of the region. The initiative was presented in May 2026 during the Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank.

Presenting the initiative, the President emphasized that amid growing global uncertainty, millions of travelers are increasingly choosing safe destinations, while Central Asia possesses enormous potential for the development of diverse tourism segments. Owing to comprehensive reforms in tourism infrastructure, improvements in service quality, visa and transport policies, and enhanced traveler safety, the number of foreign visitors to Uzbekistan has increased sixfold over the past decade. In 2025 alone, the country welcomed 11.7 million international visitors.

The development of the Central Asia Tourism Ring extends cooperation beyond the boundaries of the region itself. On the contrary, it creates new opportunities for collaboration with countries historically connected to Central Asia through the routes of the Great Silk Road. One of the most successful examples of such cooperation is the tourism partnership between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan.

Bilateral cooperation in tourism is built upon a solid foundation. An intergovernmental agreement on cooperation was signed as early as 1996. Over the years, the two countries have significantly expanded their legal and institutional framework for cooperation, including the adoption of the 2024–2026 Tourism Action Plan between the Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

A new impetus to bilateral cooperation was given on 4 April 2025, when the National PR Centre of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Azerbaijan Tourism Board signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Samarkand. The document provides for the implementation of the Joint Silk Road Highlights Tour project, aimed at jointly promoting tourism routes along the Great Silk Road in international markets.

The concept of the project is based on combining the tourism potential of the two countries into a single travel experience. The itinerary includes the historic cities of Baku, Shamakhi, Sheki, Khiva, Bukhara, and Samarkand, enabling international visitors to discover the rich cultural heritage of several major centers of the Great Silk Road within a single journey. Particular emphasis is placed on the joint promotion of tourism routes through webinars, roadshows, B2B meetings, and presentations for representatives of the international tourism industry.

A practical embodiment of this initiative was the joint Highlights of the Silk Road roadshow held in October 2025. The promotional campaign covered Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Spain. During the roadshow, tourism companies from Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan presented their tourism offerings to European partners, conducted a series of B2B meetings, and discussed opportunities for developing combined tour packages and expanding bilateral cooperation. The business programme was complemented by cultural events showcasing the rich traditions and cultural heritage of both countries.

The effectiveness of these joint efforts is also reflected in tourism statistics. During the period from January to May 2026, the number of Azerbaijani citizens visiting Uzbekistan increased by more than 80 percent compared with the corresponding period of the previous year. This strong growth demonstrates the increasing interest in Uzbekistan's tourism potential and the effectiveness of the two countries' joint promotional efforts.

Alongside the implementation of major joint projects, practical cooperation between the respective tourism authorities continues to expand. Representatives of the tourism administrations of both countries regularly participate in international tourism exhibitions, industry forums, and meetings of international organizations. They also conduct reciprocal official visits, organize familiarization tours for media representatives and tourism professionals, and implement joint cultural and gastronomic initiatives. This format of cooperation facilitates the exchange of expertise, strengthens the promotion of national tourism brands, and contributes to the development of new competitive tourism products.

Looking ahead, the two countries intend to further develop joint Silk Road tourism routes, expand professional exchange programmes for tourism specialists, strengthen cooperation in tourism education and capacity building, and intensify the joint promotion of their tourism potential in third-country markets.

Today, Uzbekistan's tourism policy is guided by the principles of openness, partnership, and regional connectivity. The initiative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan to establish the Central Asia Tourism Ring creates new opportunities for developing modern multi-destination tourism routes, while the successful implementation of joint projects with Azerbaijan demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated efforts to promote the shared heritage of the Great Silk Road. The consistent expansion of such cooperation contributes to enhancing Uzbekistan's tourism appeal, strengthening international partnerships, and creating new opportunities for the sustainable development of the tourism industry.