Tourism is central to Uzbekistan-Malaysia ties, with visa-free travel and direct flights boosting arrivals, as both nations leverage shared Islamic heritage for growth.
KUALA LUMPUR: Tourism has emerged as a key driver for expanding the partnership between Uzbekistan and Malaysia.
The Uzbekistan Embassy in Kuala Lumpur said both nations see enormous potential for expanding ties that bring economic benefits and promote cultural exchange.
A significant step has been the introduction of a visa-free regime for citizens of both countries, valid for up to 30 days.
The embassy highlighted that historical and cultural ties continue to positively influence tourism cooperation.
“Both countries belong to the Islamic world and take great pride in our shared Islamic cultural heritage,” it said in a statement.
It noted that Uzbekistan’s historic cities, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, were ancient centres of Islamic culture and learning.
These cities attract Muslim tourists from Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam.
“In recent years, Uzbekistan has undertaken extensive efforts to create Muslim-friendly infrastructure, including new prayer facilities and Halal hotels and restaurants,” the embassy added.
The Tourism Committee of Uzbekistan is actively cooperating with Malaysia’s Islamic Tourism Centre to learn Muslim-friendly tourism and hospitality experience.
Tourist arrivals from Malaysia have been steadily rising.
“In 2023, almost 4,500 Malaysian tourists visited Uzbekistan, and in 2024, this figure reached 9,500,” the embassy said.
It expects to welcome more than 13,000 Malaysian tourists this year.
Air connectivity has been a key contributor to the increase.
Uzbekistan Airways, Batik Air and AirAsia operate direct flights seven times a week on the Kuala Lumpur–Tashkent route.
Starting Dec 14, Batik Air will also operate direct flights on the Tashkent–Langkawi route once a week.
Uzbekistan is also working closely with Malaysian travel agencies through the “Umrah Plus” programme.
This allows pilgrims to visit sacred sites in Uzbekistan before proceeding to Saudi Arabia for Umrah.
The embassy noted that dozens of mutual visits by tourism and cultural delegations from both countries took place in 2025.
A key activity was the visit of Malaysian delegations consisting of major travel associations and over 25 representatives of major travel companies.
To further promote Uzbekistan’s tourism potential, its delegation participated in the MATTA Fair in Kuala Lumpur in September.
A cultural group from Uzbekistan’s Andijan Region performed several national dances on stage.
The embassy said bilateral relations are consistently developing based on the principles of friendship, mutual trust and respect.
