Based on data reflecting the share of the tourism industry in the world economy, as well as its accelerated development in recent years, this article substantiates the important role and relevance of this industry in the development of the economy of Uzbekistan. Along with this, an analysis is made of the current state and development trends of the tourism industry in the countries of the Near and Middle East, and its place, role and priority importance in national economies are disclosed. Factors are shown which influence positively or negatively on the development of this industry in Turkey, which is among the leading countries of the world and is considered a leader among the countries of the region and other non-Arab countries, like Iran and Israel. In the article, economic indicators, such as statistics on the number of tourists arriving in the country, tourism income and shares in GDP, reflecting the state of international tourism are given in table form. These data on the development of tourism in the countries of the Near and Middle East are compared with the indicators of the leading countries of the industry in the world. The paramount importance of peace and tranquility, social and political stability in the country is especially noted. Also, the importance of tourism development in Uzbekistan and its forecasts for the near future are outlined.