Uzbekistan's tourism services approach $1 billion in Q1 2025

In January–March 2025, the volume of market services in Uzbekistan reached 210.8 trillion UZS — an increase of 112.6% compared to the same period last year. The fastest growth in the service sector was observed in Tashkent (116.9%), Samarkand region (114.0%), and Navoi region (113.1%).

In the first quarter alone, 5,200 new retail facilities were opened across the regions, along with 1,400 in consumer services, 738 in tourism, 730 in education and healthcare, and over 3,600 in other service areas.

Thanks to the expansion of retail and service infrastructure, more than 23,300 new jobs were created.

In the transport sector, public transport routes were launched on 3,708 routes, involving 36,200 vehicles and providing over 333,600 passenger transportation services.

Uzbekistan welcomed 2.1 million foreign tourists in the first quarter of 2025, and the value of tourism services rendered reached $927 million.

Within the framework of the Travel in Uzbekistan! program, 2.3 million domestic trips were made across the regions. The tourism sector and related industries generated 1,800 new jobs.

While commending the progress achieved, senators also highlighted several challenges.

Among them were slower growth in service areas such as rentals, education, personal services, and trade compared to the previous year, as well as the continued presence of a shadow economy.

Issues were also noted regarding inactive business entities and shortcomings in the implementation of employment programs in Bukhara, Namangan, Surkhandarya, Syrdarya, and Tashkent.

Following the discussions, new tasks were outlined to fully tap the service sector’s potential in the regions, improve the quality and variety of services, increase their volume, and enhance employee registration and official employment practices in the sector.

The session concluded with the adoption of a corresponding Senate resolution.