Building on the robust tourism growth of the previous year, Uzbekistan Tourism is setting out an ambitious plan for further development, with particular attention on emerging source markets like India. As part of this strategy, Uzbekistan’s Tourism Minister Umid Shadiev recently visited India to foster collaboration between tourism stakeholders from both countries.
Shadiev led a delegation of key Uzbek tourism representatives to New Delhi, where they participated in the 32nd edition of South Asia’s largest tourism fair, SATTE, as the event’s Guest of Honour. “We aim to elevate our tourism partnership with India, and this visit, alongside our participation at SATTE 2025, serves as the foundation of this commitment,” Shadiev stated.
Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, Uzbekistan has seen a remarkable three-fold increase in foreign tourist arrivals over the past seven years, growing from 2.7 million visitors in 2017 to 8.2 million in 2024. Significantly, the tourism sector’s contribution to the country’s GDP has surged by more than 500% during this period. As part of its ‘Uzbekistan – 2030’ vision, the country is eager to further develop tourism, attract investment, and generate employment, in line with its broader growth and development goals.
Speaking to Indian and international trade buyers at SATTE’s opening session, Minister Shadiev remarked, “India holds vast potential as a source market for Uzbekistan. However, it’s not just about the numbers—it’s the cultural connections and shared values that make this market so appealing. My goal is to triple the number of Indian visitors to Uzbekistan by 2030.” He further highlighted that, like Indians, Uzbeks cherish family travel and, as a result, the country’s hotels and tourist attractions are well-equipped to cater to guests of all ages and backgrounds.
Indian passport holders are eligible for an e-visa, and Shadiev expressed hopes that India could soon be added to the list of countries that can visit Uzbekistan visa-free. “With the right airline support, the possibilities are limitless. There is significant unmet demand for flights, and the Tourism Committee is encouraging new airlines to enter the Uzbek market. I see enormous potential for developing new routes between our countries.”
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The Minister also underscored the deep historical ties between Uzbekistan and India, which stretch back thousands of years. “We are all familiar with the Silk Road, Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan, and Amir Timur. I must also mention Emperor Babur, born in Uzbekistan’s Fergana Valley, who went on to establish the Mughal Dynasty in India. When I see monuments like Humayun’s Tomb, I feel a sense of familiarity due to the continuity in architectural style,” he added.
In addition to showcasing Uzbekistan’s rich cultural heritage, the Minister highlighted the country’s flourishing winter sports industry, boasting modern ski resorts that are far more affordable than their European counterparts. He also promoted Uzbekistan’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, stunning landscapes ideal for honeymoon and film shoots, expansive national parks, and a wealth of adventure opportunities.
“We are confident these attractions will resonate with a wide range of Indian outbound tourists. Coupled with short flight times, Uzbekistan’s cleanliness and safety make it an ideal destination for Indian couples, families, and groups of friends,” Shadiev concluded.
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