Uzbekistan Ranks Fifth Globally for Tourism Growth in Early 2026
Uzbekistan has officially secured the fifth spot in global tourism growth for the first quarter of 2026. According to the latest World Tourism Barometer report, the Central Asian nation experienced a remarkable surge in international visitors that far outpaced the global average.
During the first three months of the year, the number of foreign tourists arriving in the republic increased by 37% compared to the same period last year.
Global Tourism Growth Leaders (Q1 2026)
Uzbekistan shares its impressive growth rate with Palau, placing it among a diverse group of surging global destinations.
| Rank | Country | Visitor Growth Rate |
| 1 | Paraguay | +46% |
| 2 | New Caledonia | +45% |
| 3 | El Salvador | +43% |
| 4 | Mongolia | +39% |
| 5 | Palau & Uzbekistan | +37% |
Affordability and Expanding Horizons
The national Tourism Committee highlighted that the primary factors driving this influx of foreign guests are the country’s high safety standards and accessible prices. For many international holidaymakers, an expedition to Uzbekistan proves to be significantly more cost-effective than a traditional European getaway.
Furthermore, visitor interests are rapidly diversifying. While historical hubs remain a major draw, travellers are no longer restricting their itineraries exclusively to the classic heritage cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. Instead, there is a growing trend towards exploring the country’s alternative attractions, with ecological and gastronomic tourism seeing a notable rise in popularity.
The current upward trend builds upon a highly successful previous year. In 2025, Uzbekistan welcomed a total of 11.7 mln foreign tourists across its borders. This momentum has clearly carried over into 2026, with official figures revealing that more than 5.3 mln international guests have already visited the country within just the first five months of the year.
