Volume 4, issue 6, 2025
38
CHINA’S REGIONAL TOURISM STRATEGIES AND THE PROSPECTS FOR
UZBEKISTAN’S GEOECONOMIC INTEGRATION
Academic supervisor: Associate Professor
S. A. Zakirova,
Head teacher at the department of International Economics
University of World Economy and Diplomacy
Ahmadillo Ibrohimov
Master’s student, Department of International Economics
University of World Economy and Diplomacy
E-mail:
ahmadilloibrohimov4@gmail.com
Phone: +998 (90) 934-77-73
Abstract:
China’s expanding regional tourism strategies—encompassing policy initiatives under
the Belt and Road framework, visa facilitation, and outbound investment—are increasingly
shaping Central Asia’s economic landscape. This article analyzes how China’s tourism outreach
can serve as a catalyst for Uzbekistan’s geoeconomic integration. We review recent
developments such as visa-free travel agreements, surging Chinese tourist flows into Central
Asia, and joint tourism promotion campaigns. Using a comparative approach with relevant data,
we discuss the implications for Uzbekistan’s economy and regional connectivity. The findings
indicate that China’s tourism-driven diplomacy and infrastructure investments may significantly
boost Uzbekistan’s tourism sector and broader economic linkages, while also highlighting the
need for sustainable and balanced integration. We conclude that leveraging China’s tourism
strategies offers promising opportunities for Uzbekistan to deepen its regional geoeconomic ties,
provided that challenges of dependency and cultural preservation are managed.
Keywords:
Regional trade agreements, USMCA, geo-economic integration, economic
diversification, New Uzbekistan, trade policy.
Introduction
China’s rise as a major global tourism stakeholder has profound implications for its neighbors. In
recent years,
China’s regional tourism strategies
have become an integral part of its foreign
policy toolkit, especially under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Launched in 2013, the BRI
aims to enhance connectivity through infrastructure, trade, and cultural cooperation
. Tourism, as
a form of people-to-people exchange, is explicitly recognized as a component of BRI’s vision .
By promoting tourist flows along ancient Silk Road routes, China not only spurs economic
activity but also strengthens diplomatic ties. At the same time,
Uzbekistan
, a key Central Asian
nation historically situated on the Silk Road, has undertaken significant economic reforms and
visa liberalizations to open up to global tourism . Tapping into China’s enormous tourism
market could accelerate Uzbekistan’s
geoeconomic integration
—i.e. its integration into regional
economic networks and value chains—as tourism growth often brings investments in
infrastructure, services, and greater connectivity. This introduction sets the stage for analyzing
how China’s tourism initiatives and Uzbekistan’s integration efforts converge, and why this
intersection is strategically important. Key questions include: How is China pursuing regional
tourism cooperation? What benefits and risks do these strategies pose for Uzbekistan’s economic
1
The Belt and Road Initiative’s impact on tourism and heritage along the Silk Roads: A systematic literature review
and future research agenda.
Volume 4, issue 6, 2025
39
positioning? And how can Uzbekistan leverage tourism to strengthen its role in regional
development?
Literature review
China’s Tourism Strategies under BRI:
Academic studies underscore that one aim of the Belt
and Road Initiative is to boost tourism among participating countries by reviving Silk Road
routes . Researchers such as Dayoub et al. (2024) note that the BRI’s focus on infrastructure
and cultural exchange has “significant implications for infrastructure development, tourism, and
local communities along the Silk Roads”. The initiative has led to new tourism products, heritage
site investments, and easier cross-border travel, though it also raises challenges like ensuring
sustainable practices and equitable benefit-sharing. Chinese policymakers view tourism as a tool
for “connectivity” and
people-to-people bonds
, often referring to tourism as a “connector for
global inclusive development” that can accelerate related industries. Conferences like the World
Tourism Cities Federation’s summit on “One Belt One Road: Development of Tourism Corridor
and City Hub” (2017) have stressed cooperation to develop
Silk Road tourism corridors
. In
practice, China has increased tourism cooperation agreements, cultural exchange programs, and
promotional campaigns with neighboring countries. For example, China has designated themed
tourism years (such as the “Year of Kazakhstan Tourism in China 2024” and “Tourism Year of
Uzbekistan in China 2024) to spotlight Central Asian destinations to Chinese travelers
. These
initiatives align with scholarly observations that tourism is used by China as part of its soft
power and regional diplomacy, fostering goodwill and economic ties simultaneously.
Uzbekistan’s Geoeconomic Integration and Tourism:
Uzbekistan, especially since the 2016
leadership transition, is frequently cited as pursuing a policy of openness and regional integration.
The term
geoeconomic integration
in this context refers to Uzbekistan’s efforts to weave itself
into the fabric of regional economic systems, balancing relationships with major powers through
economic cooperation. Literature on Central Asian development (e.g., CABAR.asia analyses)
highlights that China views Uzbekistan as a “priority trade and economic partner” in Central
Asia due to its market size, resources, and strategic location
. Uzbekistan’s reforms have
included diversifying trade partnerships, joining international agreements, and crucially,
developing tourism as a strategic sector. Mirziyoyev’s government designated tourism a priority
and massively expanded visa-free entry (from only 9 countries in 2017 to 95 countries by
2023) . This policy shift led to unprecedented growth in tourist arrivals, seen as vital for
Uzbekistan’s integration into global markets. Scholars point out that tourism ties not only bring
in revenue and investment but also link into broader geoeconomic goals: improved infrastructure
(airports, roads), enhanced country branding, and partnerships with institutions like the UN
World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Silk Road Program. Furthermore, Uzbekistan’s
active participation in BRI is viewed domestically as an “external driving force” for
development
, and tourism is one area where this manifests through Chinese investments and
visitor flows. However, literature also cautions about challenges: overreliance on one country’s
tourists or capital can create vulnerabilities, and a balance must be struck between economic
gains and cultural preservation . This review thus situates our study at the intersection of BRI-
2
Uzbekistan: 2024 Tourism Year of Uzbekistan in China opens, eyeing enhanced people-to-people exchanges.
3
China and Uzbekistan: Investments, Projects, and Areas of Cooperation.
4
Uzbekistan seeking new path to progress and prosperity with China.
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driven tourism expansion and Uzbekistan’s quest for deeper geoeconomic integration in Central
Asia.
Methodology
This article adopts a qualitative, analytical approach grounded in a
review of policy documents,
tourism statistics, and secondary research
. We synthesized information from reputable
sources including international organizations (e.g. UNWTO, World Bank), government releases,
and academic studies. Tourism data (e.g. international arrival numbers, Chinese tourist flows)
were drawn from official statistics and reports, and are visualized in graph form to illustrate
trends. For instance, we use data from Uzbekistan’s State Committee for Tourism and UNWTO
to plot the growth of foreign arrivals over time, and data from news and government sources to
compare Chinese tourist numbers before and after key policy changes. We also analyzed Chinese
and Uzbek government communications (such as joint statements and agreements) to understand
strategic intent. In terms of
analysis
, we employ a comparative lens: comparing China’s tourism
engagement strategies across Central Asian countries and examining how Uzbekistan’s measures
align or differ. The
Findings and Discussion
section integrates these data and comparisons,
interpreting their implications through theories of geoeconomics and regional development. By
combining quantitative indicators (e.g. tourist numbers, growth rates) with qualitative insights
(policy context, literature perspectives), we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the
subject. This method allows us to trace cause-effect linkages—such as how a visa policy change
correlates with tourist influx—and to critically evaluate the prospects of Uzbekistan’s integration
in light of China’s regional tourism push. All sources are cited to maintain academic rigor, and
visualizations are provided to aid clarity.
Findings and discussion
Tourism as a Driver of Uzbekistan’s Integration:
Uzbekistan has experienced a dramatic rise
in international tourism in the past decade, which in turn has bolstered its regional economic
links. Key reforms, notably visa liberalization and infrastructure upgrades, have led to a fivefold
increase in tourist arrivals within just a few years. International tourist arrivals in Uzbekistan
climbed from about 1 million in 2016 to 6.7 million in 2019, before a pandemic-induced drop
and then a strong recovery by 2023 (reaching ~7.2 million visitors). This trajectory, shown in the
figure above, reflects Uzbekistan’s deliberate strategy to open up and attract travelers as part of
its
economic
modernization.
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41
Figure 1. International Tourist Arrivals in Uzbekistan (2016–2023).
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s government moved swiftly to expand visa-free access (to
citizens of 95 countries by 2023, up from just 9 countries in 2017)
. This policy shift unlocked
pent-up travel demand, particularly from neighboring states and Asia. The tourism boom has
geoeconomic significance: it has prompted foreign investment in hotels, airports, and services in
Uzbekistan, often through regional partnerships. For example, Chinese companies see tourism
infrastructure as a promising investment area in Uzbekistan, viewing the country as “highly
attractive for tourists” and a “blue ocean” market for development . The surge in visitors also
strengthens transport links – more flights, better roads – effectively integrating Uzbekistan more
deeply with the region. By 2022, tourism had become a significant export sector for Uzbekistan,
directly contributing about 2.5% to GDP in pre-pandemic years and poised to grow further .
Moreover, a large portion of Uzbekistan’s tourists come from within Central Asia (Kazakhstan,
Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, etc.), reflecting how tourism ties reinforce regional connectivity. In short,
Uzbekistan’s recent tourism expansion has not only brought economic gains but also advanced
its
geoeconomic integration
by connecting it with regional markets, labor (tourism
employment), and capital. However, the country still faces challenges in maximizing this sector
– such as improving payment systems, training skilled hospitality workers, and spreading tourist
flows beyond traditional cities – which require sustained cooperation with partners including
China.
China’s Outbound Tourism and Central Asia:
China’s emergence as one of the world’s
largest outbound tourism markets is a major opportunity for Central Asian economies. Prior to
the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese tourists numbered in the tens of millions globally each year,
spending lavishly and seeking new destinations. Central Asia historically attracted only a small
fraction of these Chinese travelers, but this is changing due to targeted strategies.
Visa policy is
a critical tool in China’s regional tourism strategy.
In 2023, China and Kazakhstan enacted a
5
Uzbekistan Tourism Industry Statistics.
6
Tourism Doing Business in Uzbekistan.
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42
mutual visa-free regime (allowing Chinese tourists 30 days visa-free in Kazakhstan), and
Uzbekistan unilaterally allowed Chinese citizens 10 days visa-free (as of 2021) . These policies
immediately made Central Asia more accessible. The impact was dramatic in Kazakhstan: about
217,000 Chinese tourists visited Kazakhstan in 2023, a twelvefold increase from the previous
year
. This reflects both post-pandemic pent-up demand and the effectiveness of visa waivers.
Uzbekistan is likewise seeing a rebound of Chinese visitors. In 2019, before the pandemic,
roughly
62,000 Chinese tourists
visited Uzbekistan
. Travel disruptions brought that number
down to near zero in 2020–2022. With China’s relaxation of outbound travel in late 2022 and
Uzbekistan’s visa-free entry, Chinese tourist arrivals have resurged – around 57,700 Chinese
tourists came in the first 10 months of 2024, a 63% increase over the previous year . The figure
below compares Chinese tourist arrivals in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan before and after the
recent visa policy changes. Kazakhstan’s numbers surged from an estimated ~18,000 in 2022 to
217,000 in 2023, while Uzbekistan went from essentially zero (due to pandemic restrictions) to
about 58,000 in 2023 .
Figure 2. Chinese Tourist Arrivals in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan (2019–2024)
This comparison highlights how proactive engagement by China – through bilateral agreements
and tourism promotions – can redirect massive tourist flows to the region. For Uzbekistan,
Chinese tourists represent a high-value segment (given their higher average spending and interest
in historical Silk Road sites). There is strong Chinese interest in Central Asia’s “hidden gems,”
such as the ancient cities of Samarkand and Bukhara. Chinese travel platforms report over 300%
year-on-year increases in Chinese bookings to Central Asia in early 2024 , driven by
millennials and Gen Z travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences. Cultural affinity also
7
Hidden gems of Central Asia captivate Chinese tourists.
8
https://kun.uz/en/97923309#:~:text=In%202019%2C%2061,98%20thousand%20people%20in%202020
9
Travel and Tour World – Uzbekistan Welcomes 6.5 Million Visitors. Travel and Tour World – Kazakhstan Sees 50%
Surge in Chinese Tourism.
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plays a role: shared Silk Road heritage, historical figures like Xuanzang and Zhang Qian, and the
allure of experiencing authentic Silk Road culture draw Chinese visitors to Uzbekistan . These
trends suggest that China’s tourism diplomacy – combining policy (e.g. visa facilitation) and
promotion (e.g. social media marketing of Silk Road heritage) – is effectively integrating Central
Asia into Chinese tourists’ mental map, which in turn integrates Central Asian economies (like
Uzbekistan’s) with China’s consumer base.
Bilateral Initiatives and Economic Implications:
Beyond raw tourist numbers, China and
Uzbekistan are deepening institutional cooperation in tourism. In December 2024, the two
countries signed a new
bilateral visa-free agreement for 30 days
of travel, expanding on the
earlier unilateral Uzbek 10-day visa waiver . This reciprocal agreement is expected to further
ease travel for business and leisure, symbolizing a high level of trust and opening the door for
larger tour group exchanges. Additionally, China and Uzbekistan have established memoranda of
understanding on tourism development . High-level visits often feature discussions on cultural
and people-to-people exchanges; for instance, at the 2023 China-Central Asia Summit in Xi’an,
tourism was highlighted as a key area of cooperation . The
economic implications
for
Uzbekistan’s geoeconomics are multi-fold. First, increased Chinese tourism brings in foreign
exchange and can help offset Uzbekistan’s trade deficits with China by earning tourism revenue
(effectively an export of services). According to Uzbekistan’s Statistics Agency, by late 2024
China became the leading source of non-CIS foreign visitors , reflecting a diversification of
Uzbekistan’s tourism markets away from solely its immediate neighbors. Second, Chinese
investment often follows tourism interest. We see Chinese enterprises starting to explore
opportunities in Uzbekistan’s hospitality sector, such as plans to build new hotels in historic
cities and invest in travel services
. This aligns with analysis that Chinese companies view
Uzbekistan’s tourism sector as a “winning ticket” and are keen on projects like resorts and theme
parks in the longer term . Such investments contribute to Uzbekistan’s infrastructure and job
creation, further knitting the country’s economy with regional capital flows. Third, tourism
growth has spillover effects in transportation and connectivity. For example, to accommodate
rising demand, the number of weekly flights between Chinese and Uzbek cities tripled from 18
to 54 by late 2024 . Planned rail projects, such as the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway,
though primarily for freight, will likely also facilitate easier movement of people (including
tourists) once operational . Improved connectivity cements Uzbekistan’s vision of transforming
from a “landlocked to land-linked” country , enhancing its geoeconomic position as a transit
hub. Finally, at a regional level, Uzbekistan’s active courting of Chinese tourism can be seen as
part of a strategy to balance influences of great powers. As noted by observers, Chinese
economic engagement (tourism, trade, investment) in Central Asia provides a counterweight to
historical dependence on Russia . Geoeconomically, this means Uzbekistan gains more
autonomy and leverage by diversifying partnerships. The
challenge
will be ensuring that tourism
growth is sustainable and that Uzbekistan retains cultural and economic sovereignty. A sudden
overreliance on Chinese tourists or debt-funded projects (a concern raised by some analysts )
could expose Uzbekistan to external shocks or undue influence. Therefore, Uzbekistan appears to
be pursuing a careful approach: welcoming Chinese tourists and capital as a boost to integration,
while engaging with multiple partners (e.g. continuing to attract Western, Gulf, and other Asian
tourists) to maintain a balanced portfolio.
10
Uzbekistan: 2024 Tourism Year of Uzbekistan in China opens, eyeing enhanced people-to-people exchanges. By
Global Times.
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Data-Driven Insights:
The patterns observed suggest a strong correlation between policy
measures and tourist behavior in this Sino-Uzbek context. The
visa regime changes
stand out as
a turning point. It is evident that when Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan removed visa barriers,
Chinese tourist arrivals jumped correspondingly . This implies that further streamlining travel
(such as introducing e-visas or longer stays) could yield additional growth. Another insight is the
importance of
promotion and branding
. Chinese tourists in surveys have cited Central Asia’s
historical mystique and novelty as reasons for their interest . Uzbekistan’s tourism authorities,
in designating 2024 as “Tourism Year of Uzbekistan in China,” acknowledge the need to
actively market their destinations in Chinese media . Early results seem promising: Chinese
social media promotion of Silk Road cities and cultural heritage has contributed to growing
curiosity and demand . This indicates that geoeconomic integration via tourism is not
automatic; it requires Uzbekistan to be visible and attractive in the Chinese market. Additionally,
data from the World Bank and UNWTO show that tourism has become one of Uzbekistan’s
major service export earners in 2022-2023 . If Chinese visitor numbers approach the ambitious
target of 1 million annually in the coming years (as Uzbek officials hope) , tourism could
significantly alter Uzbekistan’s economic landscape, infusing rural areas with income (through
community-based tourism) and fostering new SMEs. However,
equity and sustainability
issues
must be managed: the inflow of tourists should benefit local communities and not just foreign
investors or a domestic elite. The literature warns of pitfalls like cultural commodification or
environmental strain if tourism grows too fast . Uzbekistan’s strategy, as gleaned from plans,
includes training local guides (including Mandarin speakers), developing diverse tourism
offerings (ecotourism, gastronomic tourism), and improving regional transport which all bode
well for inclusive growth. In summary, the findings illustrate that China’s regional tourism push
is a powerful engine that can accelerate Uzbekistan’s geoeconomic integration. Tangible benefits
are already being realized in terms of visitor revenues, infrastructure, and connectivity. Yet,
maximizing these benefits requires strategic planning on Uzbekistan’s part to ensure that
increased Chinese tourism complements the country’s long-term development goals and does not
create new dependencies or cultural frictions.
Conclusion
China’s regional tourism strategies and the prospects for Uzbekistan’s geoeconomic integration
are closely intertwined. This study finds that
China’s promotion of Silk Road tourism and its
outbound travel facilitation act as catalysts
for economic integration in Central Asia, with
Uzbekistan standing to gain substantially. Recent developments – from the China-Uzbekistan 30-
day visa-free agreement to surging Chinese visitor numbers post-pandemic – demonstrate how
policy decisions translate into economic outcomes. For Uzbekistan, leveraging China’s vast
tourist market aligns with its vision of becoming a regional hub and shedding its former isolation.
Tourism is not merely a recreational industry; in this context, it is a form of geoeconomic
statecraft. By attracting Chinese tourists, Uzbekistan earns income, secures new investments, and
builds soft power links that reinforce its partnerships within BRI and other regional frameworks
(such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s tourism cooperation initiatives). The
prospects ahead are largely positive
. Both governments have expressed strong commitment to
deepening tourism ties, evident in Uzbekistan’s goal to host 1 million Chinese tourists in the
future and expand direct flights to Chinese cities . If managed well, such influx can accelerate
Uzbekistan’s service sector growth and integration into Asia’s economic corridors. Moreover,
tourism can pave the way for broader trade and cultural exchange, helping Uzbekistan integrate
not just economically but also socially with the region under the ethos of the ancient Silk Road.
Volume 4, issue 6, 2025
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However, this trajectory is not without caveats. Uzbekistan must balance the benefits of Chinese
tourism with
risk management
: diversifying its tourism base to avoid overdependence on one
country, ensuring that local businesses and communities reap the rewards (to prevent a
perception of neo-colonial economic patterns), and maintaining control over cultural narratives
and heritage conservation as tourist numbers climb. It will also be important for Uzbekistan to
coordinate with neighbors to create multi-destination circuits attractive to long-haul travelers (for
instance, joint Silk Road tour packages covering Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and beyond), thereby
solidifying regional integration. China’s regional tourism strategy, for its part, will likely
continue to encourage outbound travel as a means of extending influence and goodwill. As long
as Uzbekistan can align its interests with this strategy, a symbiotic relationship can develop:
China’s tourists and capital help transform Uzbekistan into a regional connectivity hub , while
Uzbekistan offers China a stable and friendly destination along the Belt and Road. In conclusion,
tourism is emerging as a potent avenue for geoeconomic integration between China and
Uzbekistan, adding an
“economic and human dimension”
to the infrastructural links forged by
the BRI. The coming years will be crucial in translating these early gains into sustainable
development. By continuing an academic and policy dialogue on these trends, stakeholders can
ensure that the growth of tourism strengthens regional prosperity and understanding, truly
echoing the spirit of the Silk Road in the 21st century.
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