Economic Contribution 

• 2017: The direct contribution of tourism to GDP was USD 275.10 million, with a growth of 4.5%.

• 2018: Tourism’s total contribution to GDP was USD 830.70 million, with a growth of 3.1%.

• 2028 Forecast: Estimated yearly growth of 6.0% for both direct and total contributions to GDP. 

 Tourism Spending: 

• Visitor Exports: USD 93.30 million, a growth of 4.5%.

• Domestic Spending: USD 415.50 million, a growth of 4.4%.

• Leisure Spending: USD 426.80 million, a growth of 5.5%.

• Business Spending: USD 82.10 million, a decline of 1.0%.

• Capital Investment: USD 144.80 million, a growth of 0.9%. 

 Visitor Arrivals 

• 2014: 1.94 million arrivals.

• 2015: 2.03 million arrivals.

• 2016: 2.16 million arrivals.

• 2017: 2.85 million arrivals.

• 2018: 6.43 million arrivals. 

 Nationality Breakdown (2018): 

• Kazakhstan: 38.2%

• Tajikistan: 26.4%

• Kyrgyzstan: 17.1%

• Russia: 7.2%

• Turkey: 1.2%

• China: 0.6%

• South Korea: 0.5%

• Germany: 0.3%

• Japan: 0.3%

 Government Initiatives and Incentives 

The government of Uzbekistan is actively working to attract more tourism investment through a series of incentives:  

• Financial Support: State budget covers some hotel construction and equipment costs: 

• 3-star hotels: approx. USD 4,820 per room. 

• 4-star hotels: approx. USD 7,832 per room. 

• Franchise Agreements: The franchise fee for agreements with top 50 global hotel brands may be financed by the state budget for the first three years.

• Land Policies: Land for hotel construction can be sold or rented for 10-30 years after the completion of construction.

• Licensing and Certification: Certain certificates and licenses are no longer required, simplifying the development process.

• Customs Duties: Exemption for imported equipment for use in tourism facilities, cultural heritage sites, museums, theatres, galleries, and protected areas until January 1, 2022.

• Privacy Regulations: Lifting of restrictions on private life to facilitate hotel services. 

Hotel Market Overview 

International hotel brands are increasingly interested in entering the Uzbekistan market. Currently, Tashkent houses branded hotels such as Hyatt Regency, Radisson Blu, Wyndham, and Ramada. Upcoming projects include: 

• Hilton Tashkent: 250 rooms (2019)

• Radisson Park Inn: 300 rooms (2021)

• Novotel: 95 rooms (2022)

• Holiday Inn: 272 rooms (2022)

Potential in Secondary Cities 

There is significant potential for hotel development in secondary cities such as Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Fergana, and Andijan. These cities are poised to attract investments mainly in the economy and midscale segments. 

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