GUANGZHOU, August 9. /Dunyo IA/.  An article on the growth rates of the tourism sector in Central Asia has been published by China’s “Outlook New Era Magazine” media outlet, based on the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)’s report titled “Travel & Tourism Economic Impact Research 2026”, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

According to the report, Central Asia became one of the fastest-growing regions in the global tourism industry in 2025. The WTTC analysed global tourism across 13 major regions, with Central Asia ranking first in a number of key indicators.

According to the findings of the study, in 2025, the contribution of the travel and tourism sector to the gross domestic product (GDP) of Central Asia increased by 17.7 percent, while the sector’s direct economic contribution grew by 19.6 percent. These figures were significantly higher than the growth rates recorded in Northeast Asia (8.7 percent) and Southeast Asia (7.6 percent).

The report notes that in 2025, the contribution of Central Asia’s tourism industry to the regional economy amounted to USD 22.01 billion. This was equivalent to 4.3 percent of the region’s GDP. At the same time, employment in the tourism sector increased by 9.5 percent, while investment directed to the sector grew by 12.4 percent.

The article highlights Uzbekistan in particular as the most advanced tourism destination in Central Asia. According to WTTC data, Uzbekistan leads the region across all key assessment indicators.

In particular, in 2025, Uzbekistan’s revenue from tourism services exports reached USD 4.8 billion. This figure accounted for nearly half of total tourism export revenues in Central Asia.

Uzbekistan is also the most popular tourism destination among the population of Central Asia. Uzbekistan accounted for 25 percent of travel by residents of the region. Kazakhstan followed with 23 percent, while Kyrgyzstan accounted for 18 percent. In 2025, Uzbekistan received 11.7 million foreign tourists, representing an increase of 46.8 percent compared with 2024.

WTTC noted that the simplification of border procedures, improvement of transport and logistics capabilities, development of new tourism routes and promotion of the region as a single tourism destination are important factors contributing to the development of tourism in Central Asia.

Findings of the international study indicate that Uzbekistan’s position as one of the tourism hubs in Central Asia is strengthening, while the country’s rich historical and cultural heritage and modern infrastructure are contributing to an increase in the flow of international tourists.