Uzbekistan has set a bold target to welcome at least 200,000 Indian tourists annually by the year 2030, as part of its renewed focus on expanding inbound tourism from South Asia. The announcement was made by Uzbekistan’s Tourism Minister, Umid Shadiev, who led a high level delegation to India during the SATTE 2025 travel exhibition.
Speaking at the event, Shadiev underscored India’s importance as a strategic tourism partner, citing cultural closeness, growing air connectivity, and Uzbekistan’s evolving tourism infrastructure.
A Rapidly Expanding Tourism Sector
Uzbekistan’s tourism industry has seen remarkable growth over the past few years, following the government’s decision to liberalize visa regulations and promote the country as a global tourist destination.
In 2017, the country adopted an “open door” visa policy, which marked the beginning of a transformative phase in its tourism strategy. Tourist arrivals surged from 2.4 million in 2017 to an impressive 10.2 million in 2024. This growth has translated into tangible economic benefits, with tourism revenue reaching $3.5 billion last year.
India has emerged as a promising new market within this broader expansion. Although Indian arrivals are still in the early stages compared to other regions, the trend is clearly upward. In 2023, Uzbekistan welcomed 47,000 Indian visitors, which nearly doubled to 82,000 in 2024.
This upward trajectory has prompted Uzbekistan to set a clear and ambitious goal for Indian tourism, with Shadiev affirming the government’s commitment to reaching 200,000 annual arrivals from India by the end of the decade.
Eased Travel Processes and Improved Air Connectivity
To support its ambitious goals, Uzbekistan has introduced several traveler friendly measures for Indian visitors. One of the most significant is the availability of electronic visas (e-visas) for Indian citizens, which are processed within a single working day.
This streamlined process has made Uzbekistan more accessible and attractive for short notice travel. Minister Shadiev also hinted at a possible move toward visa free travel for Indians in the future, pending ongoing bilateral discussions.
Air travel between the two countries has also improved significantly. Direct daily flights now operate between Delhi and Tashkent, with both Uzbekistan Airways and IndiGo offering services that take just over two hours.
Recognizing the increasing demand, the Uzbek government is actively working with airlines to launch new routes connecting Indian cities with major Uzbek destinations such as Samarkand and Bukhara. These cities are at the heart of Uzbekistan’s tourism narrative and are key to its efforts to diversify tourism offerings beyond the capital.
Spotlight on Wedding Tourism, Winter Sports, and MICE Events
Uzbekistan is not just targeting general leisure travelers from India but is also strategically promoting niche tourism segments that align with Indian cultural and social preferences. One of the standout areas is destination wedding tourism. Cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, known for their Silk Road heritage and architectural splendor, are being positioned as ideal venues for Indian weddings.
Minister Shadiev shared his personal experience of attending an Indian wedding in Delhi, stating that Uzbekistan’s luxury resorts are now capable of hosting events with up to 10,000 guests, making them suitable for large scale Indian celebrations.
Another sector seeing a surge in interest is winter tourism. Ski resorts such as Amirsoy have become particularly popular among Indian travelers, who now make up about 50% of the resort’s clientele during the ski season. The affordability of skiing in Uzbekistan compared to European destinations makes it a compelling choice for Indian families and adventure seekers.
In addition, Uzbekistan is investing heavily in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector. The country is set to host UNESCO’s 43rd General Conference in Samarkand this November the first time the event will take place outside of Paris.
This follows Uzbekistan’s successful hosting of the UN Tourism Assembly in 2023, during which the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) underwent rebranding under Uzbekistan’s leadership.
Cultural Affinity and Safe Travel Environment
Uzbekistan is also banking on its deep rooted cultural and historical ties with India to enhance tourism exchanges. Minister Shadiev, who previously served as a UNESCO ambassador, highlighted that the Mughal emperor Babur, the founder of the Mughal dynasty in India, was born in Uzbekistan’s Fergana Valley. This shared heritage, along with joint projects on UNESCO intangible cultural traditions, offers a rich context for deeper engagement.
Safety is another cornerstone of Uzbekistan’s tourism pitch. The country was ranked as one of the safest destinations in the world in 2023, making it ideal for families, solo travelers, filmmakers, and others who prioritize security. Shadiev assured Indian travelers that Uzbekistan offers not only beautiful landscapes and historical sites but also a safe, welcoming environment.
Building a Year Round Travel Connection with India
Positioning Uzbekistan as a year round travel destination for Indians, Minister Shadiev concluded his visit with an open invitation to explore what the country has to offer across all seasons. From Bollywood film shoots in summer to ski holidays in winter, Uzbekistan is marketing itself as a versatile travel destination that resonates with Indian tastes.
“This is not merely about increasing numbers,” said Shadiev. “It’s about building a stronger bond between two culturally connected nations. The Silk Road once linked us now, it’s time for a new journey.”
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