Hon’ble Tourism Minister of Uzbekistan, H.E. Mr. Umid Shadiev
“First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the keen interest in Uzbekistan’s booth at SATTE.
This is our second year participating in this esteemed event. Accompanying us are several Uzbek tour operators and industry professionals, all dedicated to promoting Uzbekistan in the Indian market.
Uzbekistan’s tourism sector is experiencing remarkable growth. Since adopting an open-door policy in 2017, the country has continuously worked to make travel more accessible. At that time, only nine countries had visa-free access to Uzbekistan. Today, that number has risen to 93, leading to a substantial increase in international arrivals. In 2017, Uzbekistan welcomed 2.4 million tourists annually. By 2023, that figure had grown to an impressive 10.2 million, reflecting a 25% increase compared to 2022, when we had 6.7 million visitors.
This rapid growth is a significant achievement for Uzbekistan. Beyond boosting visitor numbers, it has also created new employment opportunities and contributed to the economy. Last year alone, the tourism sector generated over $3.5 billion in export revenue, underscoring its importance as a key economic driver.
Strengthening Tourism Ties Between Uzbekistan and India
India is a crucial market for us. While Uzbek tourism is growing, we see immense untapped potential in attracting more Indian travelers. In 2023, Uzbekistan welcomed around 80,000 visitors from India, and we believe this number can grow significantly. Our presence at SATTE is not just about promoting Uzbekistan in India—it’s also about fostering bilateral tourism exchange, encouraging travelers from both nations to explore each other’s rich cultural heritage.
Uzbekistan and India share deep cultural and historical ties. Walking through the streets here in India feels like looking in a mirror—our traditions, hospitality, and way of life are strikingly similar. This cultural connection ensures that Indian visitors will feel at home in Uzbekistan, and likewise, Uzbek travelers will experience warmth and familiarity in India.
A Safe and Accessible Destination for Indian Travelers
Uzbekistan is one of the safest travel destinations in the world. Over the past five years, we have consistently ranked among the top five safest countries in the World Safety Index, and in 2023, Uzbekistan was ranked as the safest country globally. This is a source of great pride for us and an assurance for Indian tourists that they can explore Uzbekistan with peace of mind.
In terms of connectivity, traveling between Delhi and Tashkent is incredibly convenient. With a short flight time of just 2 hours and 20 minutes, Uzbekistan is one of the most accessible international destinations for Indian travelers. Daily flights are operated by Uzbekistan Airways and IndiGo, ensuring seamless travel options.
Moreover, Uzbekistan has made visa procedures incredibly simple. We offer an e-Visa system, allowing travelers to apply and receive their visas within a day—making the journey to Uzbekistan even more hassle-free.
Diverse Tourism Experiences: Winter, Luxury, and Cultural Tourism
Uzbekistan offers a wide range of travel experiences, catering to different interests:
• Winter Tourism: Our state-of-the-art ski resorts and new entertainment centers make Uzbekistan an emerging hub for winter sports and adventure tourism.
• Luxury & Cultural Tourism: Historic cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva offer luxury accommodations alongside rich cultural heritage. We have recently developed new tourism facilities capable of hosting up to 20,000 visitors, ensuring world-class hospitality.
• Spiritual & Heritage Tourism: Given the deep historical ties between India and Uzbekistan, Indian travelers will find significant historical and spiritual landmarks, reflecting centuries of shared cultural exchanges.
A Future of Stronger Collaboration
As Uzbekistan continues to expand its tourism potential, we are actively engaging with Indian government officials, travel associations, and industry stakeholders to facilitate greater tourism cooperation. By working together, we can unlock new opportunities for travel, trade, and cultural exchange between our two nations.
We are excited about the future of India-Uzbekistan tourism and look forward to welcoming more Indian travelers to experience the beauty, heritage, and hospitality of Uzbekistan.
