Why Uzbekistan is one of the world's great travel destinations
Beyond the stunning architecture and warm hospitality, Uzbekistan's numbers speak for themselves. Here's why travelers from around the world are choosing the Silk Road.
Tourism growth
8 million international visitors in 2024
The U.S. International Trade Administration reports that foreign tourist arrivals to Uzbekistan grew by 20% in 2024, while tourism service exports rose from $2.14 billion in 2023 to $3.52 billion in 2024.
UNESCO lists seven properties in Uzbekistan on the World Heritage List, including Samarkand, Bukhara, Itchan Kala, and the Silk Roads: Zarafshan-Karakum Corridor.
Uzbekistan's government describes the Great Silk Road as a transcontinental route that linked East and West, helping spread goods, knowledge, technologies, and diplomatic exchange across centuries.
The Road to Riches: Quantifying the Persistent Effects of the Silk Roads Network
A Bates College economics thesis examining how historical Silk Road connectivity can leave long-run economic effects on population density and modern economic activity.