Uzbekistan Sets Sights On 2 Lakh Indian Tourists By 2030

Uzbekistan has set an ambitious goal to attract 200,000 Indian tourists annually by 2030, signifying a strong push to establish India as a key growth market for its tourism sector. This target, announced by Uzbekistan's Tourism Minister Umid Shadiev, represents a significant increase from the approximately 82,000 Indian visitors recorded in 2024, which itself was a near doubling of the 47,000 arrivals in 2023.

Uzbekistan Sets Sights On 2 Lakh Indian Tourists By 2030

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This ambitious tourism drive is underpinned by several strategic initiatives and the inherent strengths of Uzbekistan as a destination for Indian travelers:

1. Cultural And Historical Affinity

Minister Shadiev has emphasized the deep cultural and historical ties between Uzbekistan and India, stating that "culturally, we are mirrors of each other." He highlighted shared traditions, hospitality, and ways of life, suggesting that Indian travelers feel at home in Uzbekistan, and Uzbek people have an affinity for India.

The historical Silk Road, which connected the two regions for centuries, serves as a strong cultural link. Furthermore, the legacy of the Mughal dynasty founder, Babur, who hailed from Uzbekistan's Fergana Valley, resonates with Indian history. The architectural similarities between Mughal monuments in India and historical sites in Uzbekistan further strengthen this connection.

2. Ease Of Travel And Connectivity

a) E-visa System: Uzbekistan offers a simplified e-visa process for Indian passport holders, with visas reportedly processed within a day. This ease of access is a significant factor in attracting more tourists.

b) Potential Visa-Free Regime: Minister Shadiev has hinted at the possibility of a visa-free regime for Indian tourists in the future, pending bilateral discussions. This would be a major step in boosting tourist numbers.

c) Robust Air Connectivity: Currently, there are daily direct flights between Delhi and Tashkent (a short 2-hour and 20-minute journey) operated by Uzbekistan Airways and IndiGo. The tourism authorities are actively encouraging airlines to launch new routes connecting other major Indian cities with popular Uzbek destinations like Samarkand and Bukhara to further enhance accessibility.

3. Diverse Tourism Offerings

Uzbekistan is actively promoting a range of tourism experiences to appeal to different segments of the Indian market:

a) Silk Road Heritage: The ancient cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, with their stunning Islamic architecture, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and rich history, are major attractions for cultural tourists.

2) Wedding Tourism: Recognizing the grandeur of Indian weddings, Uzbekistan is positioning its Silk Road cities with their majestic backdrops and new luxury resorts (capable of hosting thousands of guests) as ideal destinations for grand destination weddings.

c) Winter Sports: Uzbekistan boasts modern and affordable ski resorts like Amirsoy, which are already popular among Indian tourists, especially compared to European options. The focus on winter tourism aims to make Uzbekistan a year-round destination for Indians.

d) MICE Tourism: With state-of-the-art facilities, Uzbekistan is actively targeting the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) segment. Hosting significant international events like UNESCO's 43rd General Conference in Samarkand in November 2025 (the first time outside Paris) underscores its growing capabilities in this area.

e) Spiritual and Heritage Tourism: Given the historical and cultural links, Uzbekistan offers significant landmarks and sites of spiritual importance that resonate with Indian travelers.

f) Safety and Security: Uzbekistan prides itself on being a safe country for tourists. It has consistently ranked high in global safety indices, including being named the safest country globally in 2023. This assurance of safety is a significant draw for families, solo travelers, and filmmakers.

g) Filming Destination: Uzbekistan is also promoting itself as a location for Bollywood film shoots, leveraging its scenic landscapes and historical architecture.

4. Strategic Initiatives And Investments:

a) "Open Door" Visa Policy: Since 2017, Uzbekistan has significantly liberalized its visa policy, increasing the number of countries with visa-free access from just nine to 93. This broader strategy has led to a surge in overall international tourist arrivals, from 2.4 million in 2017 to 10.2 million in 2024.

b) Tourism Infrastructure Development: Uzbekistan is investing heavily in developing its tourism infrastructure, including new hotels, resorts, and transportation networks, to cater to the increasing number of visitors.

c) Marketing and Promotion: The Uzbekistan government is actively engaging with Indian government officials, travel associations, and industry stakeholders to foster greater tourism cooperation. Their participation in major tourism fairs in India, such as SATTE (South Asia's Travel & Tourism Exchange), is crucial for direct engagement and promotion. They are also exploring partnerships with airlines and travel agents to create attractive packages for Indian tourists.

d) "Uzbekistan – 2030" Strategy: This comprehensive national development blueprint includes ambitious goals for the tourism sector, aiming to attract 15 million international arrivals per year and increase the sector's contribution to the GDP. The focus on India aligns with this broader vision.

In conclusion, Uzbekistan's targeted approach towards Indian tourists is multi-faceted, leveraging cultural connections, improving accessibility, diversifying tourism products, ensuring safety, and implementing strategic initiatives. The goal of attracting 200,000 Indian visitors by 2030 reflects a strong commitment to making India a significant source market and further strengthening the ties between the two nations through tourism.