Uzbekistan accounted for $4.8 billion of Central Asia’s $9.9 billion in tourism service exports in 2025, the Tourism Committee reported citing research by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
The region’s tourism service exports rose 26.4% over the year. Tourism’s total contribution to Central Asian GDP increased 17.7%, while its direct contribution grew 19.6%. Central Asia ranked first globally for growth in tourism exports.
Uzbekistan was the most popular destination among Central Asian residents, receiving 25% of trips. Kazakhstan accounted for 23%, Kyrgyzstan 18%, Russia 16% and Türkiye 6%.
International visitors generated 64.3% of tourism spending in the region, while domestic travellers accounted for 35.7%. Leisure represented 84.5% of spending by foreign visitors and business travel 15.5%.
WTTC linked Uzbekistan’s position to its historical and cultural heritage and demand for travel within the region. The council said simpler border procedures, improved air links and joint routes could attract more visitors from other parts of the world.
WTTC forecasts that tourism’s total contribution to Central Asia’s economy will reach $29.7 billion by 2036.
