Uzbekistan is rapidly emerging as one of the most dynamic travel destinations in Central Asia, with new figures revealing a sharp rise in international arrivals at the start of 2026.

According to the National Committee on Statistics, the country welcomed 2,872,502 foreign visitors for tourism purposes between January and March. This marks an increase of 770,000 tourists compared to the same period last year, representing a growth of 36.6%.

The data reflects a widening global interest in Uzbekistan, with travelers arriving from 164 countries. However, the backbone of this surge remains regional tourism, as neighboring Central Asian nations continue to dominate visitor numbers.

Kyrgyzstan led the way with 807,095 arrivals, followed closely by Tajikistan with 713,904 visitors and Kazakhstan with 681,921. These figures highlight the strong cross-border mobility within the region, supported by geographic proximity and cultural ties.

Beyond Central Asia, Russia remains one of the most significant source markets, contributing 223,285 visitors in the first quarter. Other notable contributors include Afghanistan with 120,184 tourists and China with 87,023. Turkmenistan also added nearly 80,000 visitors, while additional flows came from countries such as Turkey, India, and South Korea.

The steady rise in visitor numbers points to a broader transformation of Uzbekistan’s tourism sector. Investments in infrastructure, simplified visa policies, and increased international connectivity are helping position the country as a key destination along the historic Silk Road.

Cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva continue to attract global attention for their architectural heritage and cultural depth, while newer tourism initiatives are expanding the country’s appeal beyond its traditional highlights.

With growth continuing at this pace, Uzbekistan is increasingly seen not just as a regional destination, but as a rising player on the global tourism map.