News of Cental Asia
09.08.2026
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Uzbekistan Leads Central Asia in Tourism Growth
According to the Travel & Tourism Economic Impact Research 2026 by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), Central Asia was the world’s fastest-growing tourism region in 2025. The sector’s total contribution to regional GDP rose by 17.7%, while tourism services exports reached $9.9 billion, up 26.4%.
Nearly half of that figure comes from Uzbekistan — $4.8 billion. The country has also become the most popular destination among travellers from within the region, drawing 25% of tourist flows, ahead of Kazakhstan at 23% and Kyrgyzstan at 18%.
The report singles out the potential for building a single tourism space across Central Asia: streamlining border procedures, expanding air connectivity, and developing joint routes could substantially increase inbound visitor numbers. WTTC projects the sector’s contribution to the regional economy will reach $29.7 billion by 2036.
Read more: https://researchhub.wttc.org/product/central-asia-economic-impact-report
