Uzbekistan is dramatically scaling up its tourism ambitions, now targeting 25 million foreign visitors annually by 2030 — nearly double the previously projected 15 million. This upward revision reflects confidence in an aggressive transport infrastructure modernization program that’s reshaping the country’s connectivity landscape and positioning it as Central Asia’s emerging tourism powerhouse.
The country currently welcomes over 1 million tourists monthly, but achieving the new target requires pushing that figure past 2 million per month. To make this leap feasible, Uzbekistan has embarked on what amounts to a transportation revolution: 18 international airports now operational across the country, with seven more undergoing comprehensive modernization in regions including Samarkand, Bukhara, Andijan, and Urgench. Most significantly, construction has commenced on an entirely new international airport in Tashkent region, designed to handle the anticipated surge in passenger traffic and serve as a regional aviation hub.
Aviation network expansion creates regional connectivity hub
The country’s aviation landscape has transformed considerably, with 51 international carriers from Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, South Korea, China, India, Malaysia, Turkey, Russia, Poland, and other nations now operating regular scheduled services to Uzbekistan. The procurement of 22 modern Boeing aircraft from the United States represents a strategic investment that will enable direct connections to Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America — markets previously requiring connections through third countries.
This aviation expansion is complemented by parallel upgrades to ground transportation. New comfortable electric trains and high-speed rail services are being launched, while electric bus networks are being established in urban centers. Road infrastructure along tourist routes is being developed to reach even the most remote regions, ensuring that improved international access translates into meaningful domestic mobility for visitors.
The results are already visible in visitor statistics. Through the first nine months of 2025, Uzbekistan received 8.6 million foreign tourists — a 112.5 percent increase compared to the same period the previous year. Since April 2025, the country has consistently exceeded the one-million-visitors-per-month threshold, with Tashkent alone accounting for 3.9 million arrivals during this period.
Government initiative provides strategic framework
This comprehensive modernization program was initiated as part of broader reforms aimed at transforming Uzbekistan’s economic structure and enhancing its integration into global travel and trade networks. The focus on creating a modern, safe, and environmentally sustainable transportation system reflects strategic priorities that extend beyond tourism to encompass broader economic development objectives.
Business implications for international operators
For international companies in hospitality, construction, and interior design sectors, this infrastructure transformation signals substantial market opportunities. The doubling of tourism targets necessitates corresponding expansion in accommodation capacity, which translates directly into hotel construction projects, furnishing requirements, and interior finishing demand. The modernization of existing airports and construction of new aviation facilities creates opportunities for architectural firms, construction contractors, and suppliers of building materials and airport interior solutions. Transport infrastructure development along tourist routes will drive demand for roadside facilities, rest stops, and supporting commercial infrastructure — all requiring design, construction, and furnishing services. The emphasis on comfort and modern standards in new electric trains and buses opens markets for specialized transport interior manufacturers. Beyond tourism-specific impacts, improved international connectivity reduces logistical barriers for companies considering manufacturing or distribution operations in Uzbekistan, while the proven government commitment to infrastructure investment demonstrates a business environment increasingly oriented toward international standards and long-term development planning.
