{"id":2145582,"date":"2026-09-15T08:00:06","date_gmt":"2026-09-15T05:00:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2145582"},"modified":"2026-09-15T08:00:06","modified_gmt":"2026-09-15T05:00:06","slug":"beyond-the-silk-road-visitors-stay-longer-spend-more-and-venture-further-across-uzbekistan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2145582","title":{"rendered":"Beyond the Silk Road: Visitors stay longer, spend more and venture further across Uzbekistan"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/91\/30\/36\/1200x675_cmsv2_1a99d856-c0d0-5e3c-a9ad-3f5b13383cf9-9913036.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2925916-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2925916\" data-cid=\"9914422\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2925916-label-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/91\/44\/22\/189x106_cmsv2_e3fa0907-88d4-548e-b580-913743fbef4f-9914422.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Lithuanian soldiers are securing the area where Italian fighter jets during NATO&apos;s Baltic Air Policing Mission\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Watch: Aftermath of NATO jets&#8217; downing of drone in Lithuania\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2924691-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2924691\" data-cid=\"9910564\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2924691-label-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/88\/75\/189x106_cmsv2_c4187fc4-33d0-534f-94f8-5d5f07f7de43-9908875.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Image of a map showing the Spanish autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    The history of Ceuta and Melilla and why they are Spanish territory\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2915388-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2915388\" data-cid=\"9863690\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2915388-label-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/86\/36\/90\/189x106_cmsv2_ea131720-215e-5574-b7f8-91c46cccb8cd-9863690.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\u00a9\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Silk Road Adventures<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    How wedding customs bring families together in Uzbekistan\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__quote\">In partnership with <strong>Center for the Production of Content for Mass Media under the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2913851-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2913851\" data-cid=\"9856447\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2913851-label-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/85\/64\/46\/189x106_cmsv2_daf2e739-4066-5688-a92d-1fda0ac8117c-9856446.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\u00a9\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    World<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    How counterfeit pesticides are poisoning Europe&#8217;s farmland\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2925916-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2925916\" data-cid=\"9914422\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2925916-label-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/91\/44\/22\/189x106_cmsv2_e3fa0907-88d4-548e-b580-913743fbef4f-9914422.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Lithuanian soldiers are securing the area where Italian fighter jets during NATO&apos;s Baltic Air Policing Mission\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Watch: Aftermath of NATO jets&#8217; downing of drone in Lithuania\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2924691-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2924691\" data-cid=\"9910564\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2924691-label-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/88\/75\/189x106_cmsv2_c4187fc4-33d0-534f-94f8-5d5f07f7de43-9908875.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Image of a map showing the Spanish autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    The history of Ceuta and Melilla and why they are Spanish territory\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2915388-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2915388\" data-cid=\"9863690\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2915388-label-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/86\/36\/90\/189x106_cmsv2_ea131720-215e-5574-b7f8-91c46cccb8cd-9863690.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\u00a9\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Silk Road Adventures<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    How wedding customs bring families together in Uzbekistan\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__quote\">In partnership with <strong>Center for the Production of Content for Mass Media under the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2913851-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2913851\" data-cid=\"9856447\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2913851-label-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/85\/64\/46\/189x106_cmsv2_daf2e739-4066-5688-a92d-1fda0ac8117c-9856446.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\u00a9\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    World<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    How counterfeit pesticides are poisoning Europe&#8217;s farmland\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"helper-site-row o-article-newsy\">\n<div class=\"helper-site-container o-article-newsy__container\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__main\">\n<header class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__header\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs\">\n<div id=\"adb-article-breadcrumb\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs__list\">\n<p>                          Travel<\/p>\n<p>                          Travel News<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\">\n                            Beyond the Silk Road: Visitors stay longer, spend more and venture further across Uzbekistan <\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative \" data-controller=\"video-player\" data-sponsored=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"js-playercontrols u-height-full u-position-absolute u-width-full is-autoplaying\" data-translations=\"{&quot;error&quot;:&quot;This video could not be played.&quot;,&quot;geoblocked&quot;:&quot;Sorry, this content is not available in your country&quot;,&quot;slow&quot;:&quot;This is taking longer than usual&quot;}\">\n<div class=\"js-loadtrigger js-loadtrigger__button c-loadtrigger__button\" role=\"status\"><span class=\"js-loadtrigger__label c-loadtrigger__label u-visually-hidden\">Loading the video<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-poster-img c-article-media__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/91\/30\/36\/1536x864_cmsv2_1a99d856-c0d0-5e3c-a9ad-3f5b13383cf9-9913036.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"A night street in Bukhara\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-caption u-position-absolute\"><i id=\"article-caption-content\" class=\"c-article-caption__content\"><span class=\"c-article-caption__text\"><br \/>\n              A night street in Bukhara<br \/>\n                    <span class=\"u-color-white\">&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__copyright\">Copyright\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__credit\">Euronews<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright c-article-image-copyright--novideo\">\n      Copyright\u00a0Euronews\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__body u-article-content\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__contributors-publication-date\">\n<div class=\"c-article-contributors\">\n  By&amp;nbspDilbar Primova\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1789459206\">\n         Published on<br \/>\n            <time datetime=\"2026-09-15 10:00:06 +02:00\">15\/09\/2026 &#8211; 10:00 GMT+2<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Comments<\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label c-article-share-comment__label--always\">Add Euronews on Google<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup-overlay js-c-article-share-comment-popup-overlay u-display-none\">\n<div id=\"js-c-article-share-comment-popup\" class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup js-c-article-share-comment-popup\">\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__header u-display-flex\"><span>Share<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/icon-close.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"Close Button\" class=\"u-cursor-pointer js-c-article-share-comment-close\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div 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alt=\"bluesky\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Bluesky<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"bluesky\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"threads\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Threads<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"threads\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"whatsapp\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Whatsapp<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"whatsapp\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__content__embed_container u-display-none\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__content__embed__tooltip\"><br \/>\n                            Copy\/paste the article video embed link below:<br \/>\n                        <\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__content__embed u-display-flex\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/icon-copy-to-clipboard.svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" alt=\"Copy to clipboard\" class=\"u-cursor-pointer js-c-article-share-comment-copy\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__content__embed--success-copied u-display-none js-c-article-share-comment-video-embed-success-link-copied\"><br \/>\n                                Copied<br \/>\n                            <\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        International arrivals to Uzbekistan rose 21.1% in the first eight months of 2026, while service exports climbed 53.5%. New rail links, visa-free access and expanding accommodation are reshaping the country\u2019s travel market.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content c-article-content--travel js-article-content\">\n<p>From the blue-tiled monuments of Samarkand to the old quarters of Bukhara and the walled city of Khiva, Uzbekistan\u2019s Silk Road heritage remains the country\u2019s most recognisable draw. But a growing number of international travellers are now discovering a country that extends well beyond its best-known historic cities.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Uzbekistan recorded 9.1 million visits by foreign nationals in the first eight months of 2026, up 21.1% year on year, according to the country\u2019s Tourism Committee.<\/p>\n<p>Tourism services exports rose by 53.5% to $4.6bn (\u20ac3.98bn) over the same period.<\/p>\n<p>But the headline arrival figure covers a broad mix of international travel, rather than holidaymakers alone. Uzbekistan\u2019s statistics also count people visiting relatives, travelling for business and other purposes. In the same period of 2025, visits to relatives accounted for 5.17 million of the 7.5 million recorded arrivals, while 1.15 million were classified as travel.<\/p>\n<p>The figures also offer a clearer picture of how much visitors spend and how long they stay.<\/p>\n<p>Oybek Hakimov, adviser to the chairman of Uzbekistan\u2019s Tourism Committee, told Euronews that average spending per tourist has reached $503 (\u20ac436), compared with $197 (\u20ac171) in 2017. Surveys conducted in May and June also put the average stay at eight days.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe are also seeing more visitors travelling beyond the classic route of Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva,\u201d Hakimov said, pointing to growing interest in the Fergana Valley, Kashkadarya and Surkhandarya, as well as Muynak and Nukus in Karakalpakstan.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Long-haul markets are growing<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Some of the fastest growth is coming from markets further afield.<\/p>\n<p>In the first eight months of 2026, arrivals from China increased 2.3-fold, Malaysia doubled and Japan rose 1.5-fold. Visitor numbers from Germany increased by 25%, while France and the United Kingdom were up 21%, according to the Tourism Committee.<\/p>\n<p>Data from Uzbekistan\u2019s National Statistics Committee show that the \u2018travel\u2019 category accounts for a large share of arrivals from some European markets. Of 26,100 German visitors recorded in the first seven months, more than 23,100 were travelling for that purpose. For Italy, the figure was 20,100 out of 21,000 visitors.<\/p>\n<p>Hakimov also points to easier entry requirements as one factor supporting the growth. He said Uzbekistan\u2019s visa-free regime now covers citizens of 94 countries, although permitted stays vary by nationality.<\/p>\n<p>He cites China as one example. Following the introduction of reciprocal 30-day visa-free travel, Hakimov said the number of Chinese visitors recorded in 2025 was more than six times the 2023 level.<\/p>\n<p>Uzbekistan has also gained attention in the adventure travel market, placing fifth in Much Better Adventures\u2019 2026 ranking of destinations for solo adventure travel. The ranking considers factors including safety, entry requirements, costs, hiking opportunities and traveller feedback.<\/p>\n<p>Romanian traveller Cezar Marksteiner-Ungureanu knew little about Uzbekistan before deciding to visit. Even some of his friends questioned what there was to see.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI wanted something completely new for myself,\u201d he told Euronews. He began reading about the Silk Road and planned a journey through Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva.<\/p>\n<p>Once there, he said the experience challenged those expectations. \u201cI felt very secure all the time. People are very welcoming and try to help us everywhere.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>For Tessa Bradford, another visitor to Uzbekistan, the attraction started with images of the country.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI&#8217;ve done a lot of travelling, and I had heard that Uzbekistan was really beautiful, really fun to travel,\u201d she told Euronews. \u201cThe pictures looked incredible, so I needed to come see it for myself.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Beyond the classic Silk Road route<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>That broader travel pattern is also being supported by improved transport links.<\/p>\n<p>The new Jaloliddin Manguberdi high-speed service between Tashkent and Khiva began operating in May, cutting the journey from around 14 hours to about seven and a half. By late July, the first train had carried almost 30,000 passengers.<\/p>\n<p>Tourist Sabina Flandrick said getting around by rail had been straightforward.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe got around by train, which was great,\u201d she said, also praising the hotels, restaurants and service she encountered.<\/p>\n<p>Qudrat Rajabov, manager of the Khiva Silk Road Hotel, also points to better air connections through nearby Urgench. He told Euronews that direct international flights into Urgench, together with the new rail service, were helping bring more visitors to the region\u201d.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>More hotels and more competition<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Accommodation capacity is expanding too.<\/p>\n<p>Between January and July 2026, 705 new accommodation facilities opened across the country, adding 22,296 beds. Uzbekistan now has 7,440 registered accommodation facilities with capacity for more than 202,000 guests.<\/p>\n<p>At the Khiva Silk Road Hotel, capacity has also increased. The hotel opened in 2019 with 38 rooms and has since increased its capacity to 43. Manager Qudrat Rajabov says the hotel receives around 7,000 to 8,000 guests a year, with international visitors making up the larger share.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cService comes first now,\u201d he said. \u201cCompetition has become very strong and there are many hotels.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>He said the hotel is sending reception staff, chefs and waiters to professional training centres as businesses place greater emphasis on service standards.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>                                  Go to accessibility shortcuts<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Comments<\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label c-article-share-comment__label--always\">Add Euronews on Google<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-you-might-also-like\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-you-might-also-like\">\n<h2 class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__title\">\n        Read more<br \/>\n      <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__container\">\n<article id=\"abe-2906185-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2906185\" data-cid=\"9819760\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2906185-label-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/97\/60\/480x270_cmsv2_7529f9b2-0a16-590c-a810-4adbad49030e-9819760.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\u00a9\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Silk Road Adventures<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    How evening changes life in Uzbekistan&#8217;s historic cities<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__quote\">In partnership with <strong>Center for the Production of Content for Mass Media under the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2906137-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2906137\" data-cid=\"9819323\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2906137-label-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/93\/23\/480x270_cmsv2_cf038322-3279-5d94-bb3c-9c950f075212-9819323.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\u00a9\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Silk Road Adventures<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Exploring Uzbekistan through its rivers, waterfalls and reservoirs<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__quote\">In partnership with <strong>Center for the Production of Content for Mass Media under the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2906766-pos2-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2906766\" data-cid=\"9822753\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2906766-label-pos2-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/27\/53\/480x270_cmsv2_d7d4990f-63f0-5831-b107-80760353d37f-9822753.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Registan Square, Samarkand. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Travel News<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Silk Road destination targets long-haul tourists<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto\">\n<ul id=\"adb-article-tags\" class=\"c-tags-list\">\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Tourists<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Travel trends<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Travel<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Uzbekistan<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tp-vuukle\">\n<div class=\"c-vuukle-skeleton\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"c-vuukle-skeleton__header\"><span class=\"c-vuukle-skeleton__title\">Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"o-article-newsy__aside\">\n<div class=\"c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-1\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div 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class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2906185-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2906185\" data-cid=\"9819760\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2906185-label-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/97\/60\/480x270_cmsv2_7529f9b2-0a16-590c-a810-4adbad49030e-9819760.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\u00a9\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Silk Road Adventures<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    How evening changes life in Uzbekistan&#8217;s historic cities<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__quote\">In partnership with <strong>Center for the Production of Content for Mass Media under the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2906137-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2906137\" data-cid=\"9819323\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2906137-label-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/93\/23\/480x270_cmsv2_cf038322-3279-5d94-bb3c-9c950f075212-9819323.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\u00a9\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Silk Road Adventures<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Exploring Uzbekistan through its rivers, waterfalls and reservoirs<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__quote\">In partnership with <strong>Center for the Production of Content for Mass Media under the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2906766-pos2-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2906766\" data-cid=\"9822753\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2906766-label-pos2-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img 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src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/89\/75\/51\/320x180_cmsv2_41ca011a-f8db-52c1-bd48-ad97c8918884-9897551.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Thailand, known for warm weather and affordability, topped the ranking of last-minute getaway bookings\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Which are the world&#8217;s best destinations for a last-minute holiday?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2849382-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2849382\" data-cid=\"9560464\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2849382-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/04\/64\/320x180_cmsv2_cba69ac4-7bd3-5886-88da-252745379693-9560464.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Travel - Euronews\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Euronews Travel Channel \u2013 Travel News, Guides, Magazines &amp; Inspiration | 24\/7<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2925484-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2925484\" data-cid=\"9912244\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2925484-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/91\/22\/44\/320x180_cmsv2_d834a058-1d84-558f-93bd-7c026c9309a1-9912244.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The Chancery Rosewood is on the Michelin Guide&apos;s shortlist for the Opening of the Year award\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Revealed: The best new hotels in the world according to Michelin<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2886076-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2886076\" data-cid=\"9721341\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2886076-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/72\/13\/41\/320x180_cmsv2_f015f508-a114-53dd-aec0-8a80c3a3add4-9721341.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Lake Salda.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Hiding in plain sight: T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s most surprising destinations<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__quote\">In partnership with <strong>GoT\u00fcrkiye<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2925505-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2925505\" data-cid=\"9912351\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2925505-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/91\/23\/51\/320x180_cmsv2_dcff3b0d-e5e2-529d-a459-e376c8d7807b-9912351.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Europe recorded record air traffic this summer despite the ongoing Middle East conflict\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Europe saw record number of summer flights despite Middle East war<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2924398-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2924398\" data-cid=\"9907445\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    The top 10 most walkable cities \u2013 and seven are in Europe<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2924409-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2924409\" data-cid=\"9907469\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    The best airports in the world ranked \u2013 and number one is in Europe<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2924411-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2924411\" data-cid=\"9907472\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Europe dominates ranking of the world\u2019s most beautiful cycling routes<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2925624-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2925624\" data-cid=\"9912988\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Which are the world&#8217;s best destinations for a last-minute holiday?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2925484-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2925484\" data-cid=\"9912244\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Revealed: The best new hotels in the world according to Michelin<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">From the blue-tiled monuments of Samarkand to the old quarters of Bukhara and the walled city of Khiva, Uzbekistan\u2019s Silk Road heritage remains the country\u2019s most recognisable draw. But a growing number of international travellers are now discovering a country that extends well beyond its best-known historic cities.Uzbekistan recorded 9.1 million visits by foreign nationals in the first eight months of 2026, up 21.1% year on year, according to the country\u2019s Tourism Committee.Tourism services exports rose by 53.5% to $4.6bn (\u20ac3.98bn) over the same period.But the headline arrival figure covers a broad mix of international travel, rather than holidaymakers alone. Uzbekistan\u2019s statistics also count people visiting relatives, travelling for business and other purposes. In the same period of 2025, visits to relatives accounted for 5.17 million of the 7.5 million recorded arrivals, while 1.15 million were classified as travel.The figures also offer a clearer picture of how much visitors spend and how long they stay.Oybek Hakimov, adviser to the chairman of Uzbekistan\u2019s Tourism Committee, told Euronews that average spending per tourist has reached $503 (\u20ac436), compared with $197 (\u20ac171) in 2017. Surveys conducted in May and June also put the average stay at eight days.\u201cWe are also seeing more visitors travelling beyond the classic route of Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva,\u201d Hakimov said, pointing to growing interest in the Fergana Valley, Kashkadarya and Surkhandarya, as well as Muynak and Nukus in Karakalpakstan.\u00a0Long-haul markets are growingSome of the fastest growth is coming from markets further afield.In the first eight months of 2026, arrivals from China increased 2.3-fold, Malaysia doubled and Japan rose 1.5-fold. Visitor numbers from Germany increased by 25%, while France and the United Kingdom were up 21%, according to the Tourism Committee.Data from Uzbekistan\u2019s National Statistics Committee show that the \u2018travel\u2019 category accounts for a large share of arrivals from some European markets. Of 26,100 German visitors recorded in the first seven months, more than 23,100 were travelling for that purpose. For Italy, the figure was 20,100 out of 21,000 visitors.Hakimov also points to easier entry requirements as one factor supporting the growth. He said Uzbekistan\u2019s visa-free regime now covers citizens of 94 countries, although permitted stays vary by nationality.He cites China as one example. Following the introduction of reciprocal 30-day visa-free travel, Hakimov said the number of Chinese visitors recorded in 2025 was more than six times the 2023 level.Uzbekistan has also gained attention in the adventure travel market, placing fifth in Much Better Adventures\u2019 2026 ranking of destinations for solo adventure travel. The ranking considers factors including safety, entry requirements, costs, hiking opportunities and traveller feedback.Romanian traveller Cezar Marksteiner-Ungureanu knew little about Uzbekistan before deciding to visit. Even some of his friends questioned what there was to see.\u201cI wanted something completely new for myself,\u201d he told Euronews. He began reading about the Silk Road and planned a journey through Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva.Once there, he said the experience challenged those expectations. \u201cI felt very secure all the time. People are very welcoming and try to help us everywhere.\u201dFor Tessa Bradford, another visitor to Uzbekistan, the attraction started with images of the country.\u201cI&#8217;ve done a lot of travelling, and I had heard that Uzbekistan was really beautiful, really fun to travel,\u201d she told Euronews. \u201cThe pictures looked incredible, so I needed to come see it for myself.\u201dBeyond the classic Silk Road routeThat broader travel pattern is also being supported by improved transport links.The new Jaloliddin Manguberdi high-speed service between Tashkent and Khiva began operating in May, cutting the journey from around 14 hours to about seven and a half. By late July, the first train had carried almost 30,000 passengers.Tourist Sabina Flandrick said getting around by rail had been straightforward.\u201cWe got around by train, which was great,\u201d she said, also praising the hotels, restaurants and service she encountered.Qudrat Rajabov, manager of the Khiva Silk Road Hotel, also points to better air connections through nearby Urgench. He told Euronews that direct international flights into Urgench, together with the new rail service, were helping bring more visitors to the region\u201d.More hotels and more competitionAccommodation capacity is expanding too.Between January and July 2026, 705 new accommodation facilities opened across the country, adding 22,296 beds. Uzbekistan now has 7,440 registered accommodation facilities with capacity for more than 202,000 guests.At the Khiva Silk Road Hotel, capacity has also increased. \u00a0The hotel opened in 2019 with 38 rooms and has since increased its capacity to 43. Manager Qudrat Rajabov says the hotel receives around 7,000 to 8,000 guests a year, with international visitors making up the larger share.\u201cService comes first now,\u201d he said. \u201cCompetition has become very strong and there are many hotels.\u201dHe said the hotel is sending reception staff, chefs and waiters to professional training centres as businesses place greater emphasis on service standards.<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/travel\/2026\/09\/15\/beyond-the-silk-road-visitors-stay-longer-spend-more-and-venture-further-across-uzbekistan&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/91\/30\/36\/1200x675_cmsv2_1a99d856-c0d0-5e3c-a9ad-3f5b13383cf9-9913036.jpg&#8221;] Europe News Watch: Aftermath of NATO jets&#8217; downing of drone in Lithuania Europe News The history of Ceuta and Melilla and why they are Spanish territory Silk Road Adventures How wedding customs bring families together in Uzbekistan In partnership with Center for the Production of Content for Mass Media under the Administration [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[226,36],"class_list":["post-2145582","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-international","tag-crawlmanager","tag-euronews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2145582","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2145582"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2145582\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2145582"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2145582"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2145582"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}