Core Insights - Uzbekistan's inbound tourism market has seen significant growth, with over 5.3 million international visitors in the first half of 2025, more than double the number from 2024, and tourism revenue reaching $2.4 billion, a 164% increase [1][5] - The country is focusing on enhancing cultural and human exchanges within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), with tourism being a key driver for economic growth and cultural interaction [3][4] Tourism Growth - In the first half of 2025, Uzbekistan received over 5.3 million international tourists, a 164% increase in tourism revenue to $2.4 billion [1] - The largest number of visitors came from Kyrgyzstan (1.28 million), followed by Tajikistan (993,700) and Kazakhstan (889,600) [1] - Chinese tourists have shown remarkable growth, increasing from 9,600 in early 2023 to nearly five times that number by 2025 [1][5] Cultural and Human Exchange - The mutual visa exemption agreement between China and Uzbekistan, effective June 1, has significantly boosted traveler exchanges [3] - Uzbekistan is prioritizing cultural and educational cooperation within the SCO, focusing on joint educational projects and cultural activities [4] - The country is investing in tourism infrastructure, with projects aimed at creating tourism clusters in historical cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva [4][5] Economic Impact - The tourism sector is becoming a new engine for cooperation among SCO member states, with significant investments in hotels and transportation infrastructure [4] - In 2024, Uzbekistan plans to implement 591 projects with a total investment of $2.8 billion, creating nearly 20,000 new jobs [5] - The goal for 2025 is to attract 11 million foreign tourists, generating $3.8 billion in tourism revenue and creating 50,000 new jobs [5] Infrastructure Development - In the first half of 2025, Uzbekistan opened 60 new hotels, 287 guesthouses, and 146 youth hostels to meet the growing demand from tourists [6] - The country is collaborating with global hotel brands to improve service quality and enhance the international appeal of its tourism sector [6] - By mid-2025, Uzbekistan had established 3,052 travel agencies and trained 215 new professional guides, increasing the total number of guides to 3,415 [6]