Uzbekistan has adopted a sweeping new development framework aimed at transforming the tourism sector into a major economic engine. A Presidential Resolution (No. PP-348, dated November 19, 2025) establishes a dedicated Tourism Committee and lays out an ambitious roadmap that seeks to double the sector’s contribution to GDP while attracting both global investors and international visitor flows to historically rich cities across the country.
Doubling down on growth targets
The resolution sets clear benchmarks for the sector’s expansion through 2030. Tourism’s share of gross domestic product is targeted to grow from its current 3.5 percent to 7 percent — a strategic priority reflecting government confidence in the sector’s potential. Equally striking is the visitor expansion goal: annual foreign tourist arrivals are projected to climb from 10 million to 20 million, nearly doubling current levels. These targets underpin a broader strategy to position the country as a regional tourism hub, particularly leveraging its standing as a crossroads of ancient Silk Road civilizations.
To support this vision, the government is bankrolling several landmark infrastructure projects scheduled for 2026 – 2028. The “Samarkand Heritage Path” project will connect the city’s most significant historical monuments along a 6.6-kilometer tourist corridor, designed to strengthen visitor engagement with the region’s cultural legacy. Meanwhile, Khiva’s Ichan-Kala historic district is being repositioned as a worldwide-unique immersive smart museum-city, merging traditional architecture with contemporary digital experiences.
Retail and hospitality investments surge
Beyond heritage tourism, the resolution charts a deliberate course toward modernizing the commercial landscape. World-renowned clothing brands are being invited to anchor shopping and entertainment complexes, with the first phase (through 2030) targeting Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. These flagship cities will see the rise of contemporary outlet centers — architecturally integrated with national design aesthetics — designed to attract both locals and tourists seeking international retail experiences. A second phase, beginning in 2030, will extend this model to other population centers with strong tourism appeal.
The hospitality sector receives direct financial backing as well. Starting March 1, 2026, hotels committing to internationally recognized green certifications will see half their certification costs covered by the state. This dual incentive — market access plus cost-sharing — signals a government intent to raise infrastructure quality while encouraging environmental responsibility.
Financial carrots for service innovation
The resolution rolls out a series of financial incentives aimed at broadening the tourism value chain. From February 1, 2026, foreign visitors departing Uzbekistan gain the option of reclaiming value-added tax (VAT) on previously purchased goods in cash — a mechanism designed to enhance shopping appeal. Starting March 1, 2026, government subsidies will support the top 10 innovative tourism startups annually, offering 50 percent cost reimbursement for developing new tourism services, capped at 1 billion sums per project. Hotels seeking international green certifications will receive equal cost-sharing support.
Conference organizers and event planners bringing 100 or more foreign participants stand to receive a 50 percent VAT refund as of April 1, 2026 — an inducement for major business tourism gatherings. Underpinning this commercial expansion is a commitment to digital integration: the government plans to roll out unified booking platforms spanning all transport modes, a consolidated ticketing system for museums and cultural attractions, and online purchase capabilities.
Why this matters for international investors
For international construction, retail, hospitality, and design firms, this resolution signals concrete opportunities. The outlet center and shopping complex projects represent substantial construction and interior design contracts, particularly given the emphasis on blending global standards with national architectural identity. Hotel chains and operators have a clear entry pathway through green certification incentives and government support for new hospitality ventures. International fashion and retail brands gain direct policy encouragement to establish regional headquarters or flagship locations. Interior designers and furnishing specialists will find demand in outfitting modern retail spaces and hospitality facilities across four anchor cities. Beyond the immediate retail layer, the heritage and cultural tourism infrastructure — smart museums, interpretation centers, themed dining and accommodation — creates secondary demand for design services, themed furnishings, and specialized hospitality equipment. The tourism startup subsidy program also hints at openness to foreign expertise and joint ventures in experiential tourism services. Together, these policy moves reflect Uzbekistan’s deliberate pivot toward market-friendly competition and international commercial engagement.
