In Uzbekistan, the tourism sector has achieved significant growth over the past eight years. According to the analysis of the Center for Economic Research and Reforms, a number of reforms were implemented in 2017–2024 to develop tourism in the country. As noted by the Center’s chief researcher, Afzal Artikov, during this period tourism has become one of the strategic sectors of the economy.
First of all, visa procedures were simplified, infrastructure was modernized, and a set of measures to support the sector was introduced. The results appeared immediately: the number of foreign tourists increased almost fourfold, the export of services grew more than tenfold, and the number of jobs in the sector doubled, providing employment for 391,000 people.
In recent years, Uzbekistan’s brand has been actively promoted internationally. Partnerships were established with major companies in China, Europe, and North America. Hosting the UN World Tourism Organization’s General Assembly in Samarkand and the “Capital of Islamic Tourism” event in Khiva further strengthened the country’s image. In addition, major complexes such as “Tashkent City,” “Samarkand Tourism Center,” and “Valley of Legends” were commissioned.
The results of 2024 also clearly showed the tourism boom: the number of foreign visitors reached 10.1 million, while domestic tourism exceeded 22 million. During this period, tourism exports amounted to a total of 10.7 billion dollars.
Experts believe that such figures may turn tourism into the “locomotive” of economic growth in the coming years. The tourism industry not only creates new jobs but also increases the country’s recognition on the international stage.
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