Uzbekistan breaks into global top 10 for tourism growth, report says

In the first quarter of 2026, Uzbekistan became one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations globally, recording a 37% increase in international arrivals and entering the top 10 global leaders in tourism growth dynamics, data from the World Tourism Organization confirmed.

Global tourism rose by 2% year-on-year in January–March 2026, Caliber.Az reports, citing Uzbek media.

Approximately 307 million international trips were recorded over the three-month period, an increase of 6 million compared to the same period last year. However, growth slowed markedly in March to 0.4% amid the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East.

Regional performance remained uneven. Europe and Africa recorded the strongest growth at 4% each, followed by Asia and the Pacific with 3%, and the Americas with 2%. In contrast, the Middle East registered a 14% decline in arrivals over the quarter and a sharp 37% drop in March.

Against the backdrop of global volatility, several countries posted significant increases in tourist flows. Alongside Uzbekistan, the strongest performers included Paraguay (+46%), New Caledonia (+45%), El Salvador (+43%), Mongolia (+39%), among other destinations.

International tourism revenues also continued to rise. The highest gains were recorded in Pakistan (+60%), the Republic of Korea (+38%), Mongolia (+27%), and Morocco (+24%). Experts note that despite sustained positive momentum, the global tourism sector remains under pressure from geopolitical instability and high transport and accommodation costs.

By Vafa Guliyeva