Uzbekistan, Tashkent – AN Podrobno.uz. The National Statistics Committee of Uzbekistan has released data on outbound tourism since the beginning of 2026. According to the report, over 1.63 million citizens have traveled abroad, marking an increase of 111,600 compared to the same period last year. This surge highlights a significant rise in tourist activity from the country, reflecting broader trends in regional mobility and economic factors.

Statistical figures indicate that Kyrgyzstan remains the most popular destination, with 660,600 visitors. Significant tourist flows were also recorded for Kazakhstan (over 284,000) and Tajikistan (over 282,000). These numbers underscore the continued dominance of regional travel, likely driven by cultural ties and geographic proximity, though they also raise questions about the economic sustainability of such patterns in light of fluctuating remittance flows and travel costs.

Among distant destinations, Saudi Arabia stands out, attracting over 136,000 travelers. Russia saw 88,300 visitors, while Turkey recorded over 52,000 trips. Other notable countries include the United Arab Emirates (over 28,000), China (15,800), Thailand (13,800), and Egypt (over 12,000). The data suggests a diversification of travel interests among Uzbek tourists, extending beyond traditional regional hubs to include Middle Eastern and Asian locales.

Analysis of the statistics committee's data points to a growing outbound tourism sector in Uzbekistan, with both neighboring and far-flung countries benefiting. However, this growth must be contextualized within economic challenges, such as the impact of tourism expenditures on household budgets and potential strains on foreign exchange reserves. Previously, it was reported that around 2 million tourists arrived in Uzbekistan in the first two months of the year, indicating a parallel development in inbound tourism that may face its own set of logistical and infrastructural hurdles.

Source: podrobno.uz