Tourism represents a substantial and fast-growing sector of the economy of Uzbekistan. The government of Uzbekistan under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has invested heavily in developing tourism as a high-growth potential industry, resulting in an increase in international arrivals from approximately 1 million in 2016 to 7 million in 2023.[1][2]
Uzbekistan's most-visited tourist sites are associated with the history of the Silk Road, particularly the cities of Bukhara, Khiva, and Samarkand. The Registan ensemble in Samarkand, a complex of three madrasahs dating from the 15-17th centuries situated around the city's historic central square, is one of Uzbekistan's most-visited landmarks, attracting more than 1 million visitors in 2022.[4] Uzbekistan is home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the historical centres of Bukhara, Samarkand, and Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of Amir Timur; as well as the Ichan Qala (lit. "inner fortress"), the walled centre of Khiva.[5] While most visitors cited interest in Uzbekistan's historical-architectural sites and culture,[6] the government of Uzbekistan and tourism organizations are also working to develop other tourism areas, such as ecotourism and pilgrimage tourism.[7][8]
The government of Uzbekistan continues to invest in both developing tourism-related infrastructure, and marketing Uzbekistan as a tourism destination. The Samarkand International Airport was completely reconstructed in 2022 to triple its capacity,[9] and renovations of the Tashkent International Airport are ongoing as of 2024.[10] Uzbekistan's Ministry of Culture and Tourism has partnered with international media, streaming services, and social media influencers to promote the country's tourism potential.[11]
Visitors by countries
Visitors arriving to Uzbekistan were from the following countries of nationality:
The southeast portion of the country contains the western ends of the Tien Shan mountains, which attract active forms of tourism such as mountaineering and rock climbing. Most well known for its ease of access from Tashkent is the Greater Chimgan Peak (3,309 m) of the Chatkal Range. This place serves as a starting point for many routes of hiking, climbing, horse riding, mountain skiing, and hang-gliding. Uzbekistan has multiple ski and mountain resorts, including Chimgan, which was constructed during the Soviet era, and Amirsoy, which opened in 2019. Both resorts are open for visitors to enjoy during seasons other than winter.[21]
The historical center of Samarkand is a World Heritage Site. Samarkand is home to cultural and architectural landmarks that are preserved as works of Islamic art and architecture. The necropolis of Shah-i-Zinda is a popular tourist attraction.[22] The general conference of UNESCO accepted the decision of inclusion in the list of anniversaries celebrating the 2750th anniversary of Samarkand.[23]
Ancient Khiva is one of the three most important tourism centers in Uzbekistan. The territory of the Khorezm Province and Karakalpakstan is contains many natural, historic, architectural, and archaeological sites. The Khorezm Province itself possesses nearly 300 historic monuments.
One point of interest is the Savitsky Museum in the town of Nukus, which houses a collection of avant-garde art. The museum also has regional collection. A number of ecological tours are organized to the ship cemetery located in the Muynak area along what was once the coastline of the Aral Sea.
In 2005, Khorezm was visited by 43,000 tourists, of whom 19,700 were foreigners. The majority came from France, Germany, Israel, Great Britain, Australia, and Japan. Khiva's visitors were mostly at the age of 50–70 (46%); about 21% of tourists were of the age 30–40. 32% of the visitors to Khorezm were independent travelers who received visa support from local travel agencies.
Wildlife areas in the desert and other attractions on nomadic ways
There is a Kyzyl Kum nature reserve at the flood-land (tugai) drained by the Amu-Darya which has many species of rare animals. In addition, there are many kinds of water birds that migrate the Aral Sea and make their homes around the lake. The region of Aydar Lake allows for tourists to fish, yurt and camel-back ride.
Another reserve Djeyran is located 40km south of Bukhara.
Another point of interest is Sarmishsay, a gorge located on the southern slopes of the Karatau mountain range, 30–40km to the northeast of the city of Navoi (Kermine) in Uzbekistan. The area is famous for various ancient monuments of anthropogenic activity concentrated in an area of about 20km2. This includes flint quarries, mines, old settlements, burial mounds, crypts and petroglyphs, including monuments of the Middle Ages, early Iron Age, Bronze Age and the Stone Age. There are over 4,000 petroglyphs still intact in Sarmishsay. Since ancient times the area has been a sacred zone, where locals performed their sacred ceremonies on holy days.
Religious tourism
Uzbekistan is a country with predominantly Islamic roots. More than 160 Muslim sacred relics are located in the country.
Most travel involves entering and leaving Uzbekistan through Tashkent, the capital city of Uzbekistan. The city is serviced by an international airport, a domestic airport, two Vokzals (railway stations), and numerous bus stations. Tashkent is serviced by Uzbekistan Airways, Korean Air, airBaltic, Asiana Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Transaero, Aeroflot, Czech airlines, Iran air, air Astana, S7 airlines. Seven more airports have international status, these airports are Samarkand, BukharaUrgenchNamangan Airport, Andizhan Airport, Fergana Airport and Nukus Airport. Besides local flights and some regular international flights, almost exclusively to Russia, along with occasional tourist charters to Samarkand, Bukhara, Nukus and Urgench. The tickets for domestic flights can be reserved or purchased outside of the country at Uzbekistan Airways offices or agencies or via a number of online websites. Uzbekistan Airways transported more than 1.7 million passengers in 2005.
At the end of 2005, the Tashkent airport had put in operation a new arrival hall for local airlines, with the addition meeting modern requirements. Its technical equipment allows it to serve up to 600 passengers per day.[citation needed]
Photo gallery
Kalyan Minaret that rises above the Bukhara city in the form of a huge vertical pillar.
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