Reinforcing its strategic focus on India’s rapidly expanding outbound travel market, the Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan, in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in India, successfully concluded two high-impact, back-to-back roadshows in Hyderabad and Chennai recently. The initiatives form part of Uzbekistan’s sustained efforts to deepen engagement with the Indian travel trade and position itself as a preferred destination for Indian travellers.
The roadshows witnessed strong participation, with over 70 leading travel agents and tour operators attending the events across both cities. Designed as focused B2B platforms, the engagements aimed to strengthen trade partnerships, enhance destination awareness, and unlock new opportunities in one of the world’s fastest-growing outbound travel markets, which currently records around 33 million annual departures.
The events were held soon after Uzbekistan’s prominent participation in India’s two largest travel trade exhibitions, OTM in Mumbai and SATTE in Delhi, both held in February 2026. This continued presence underscores Uzbekistan’s long-term commitment to the Indian market and its intent to build sustained momentum through consistent trade engagement.
His Excellency Sardor Mirzayusupovich Rustambaev, Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to India, attended and addressed both roadshows. In his remarks, he highlighted Uzbekistan’s rich cultural heritage, Silk Road legacy, and diverse tourism offerings, while also emphasizing the centuries-old historical and cultural ties between India and Uzbekistan.
“India represents a key strategic market for Uzbekistan’s tourism growth. Through these roadshows, we aim not only to strengthen partnerships with the Indian travel trade but also to showcase Uzbekistan as a destination that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modern experiences. We warmly invite Indian travellers to explore Uzbekistan and be part of this shared cultural journey,” said Ambassador Rustambaev.
The sessions highlighted Uzbekistan’s key tourism offerings, including its UNESCO-listed heritage cities, vibrant cultural experiences, architectural landmarks, and growing appeal for leisure, group travel, and MICE segments.
A key highlight of the roadshows was the participation of Uzbekistan Airways as the partner airline. The national carrier showcased its expanding connectivity with India, reinforcing ease of access for Indian travellers. Importantly, Uzbekistan Airways has recently entered into a codeshare agreement with Air India, strengthening its growing network between India and Uzbekistan routes, including Delhi-Tashkent, Mumbai-Tashkent, Goa-Tashkent (seasonal route).
Uzbekistan has also recently launched direct flight between New Delhi and Namangan, offering direct access to the culturally rich and economically important Fargana Valley. The national carrier also sponsored two ‘lucky draw’ winners each during the roadshows in Hyderabad and Chennai with flight tickets to Uzbekistan.
The partnership also provides Air India guests seamless access to Tashkent from major Indian gateways, including the Southern Indian cities of Hyderabad and Chennai, with convenient onward domestic and international connections on Air India’s extensive route network on a single ticket and baggage checked through to their final destination. Notably, Air India and Uzbekistan Airways also maintain an interline partnership which further provides onward connections from Tashkent to Bukhara, Qarshi, Nukus, Urgench, Termez, Samarkand, Fergana, and Namangan.
The roadshows successfully met their objectives of building stronger trade relationships and positioning Uzbekistan as a compelling destination choice. With focused efforts on both leisure and MICE segments, Uzbekistan is actively aligning its offerings with evolving Indian traveller preferences.
As part of its growth strategy, Uzbekistan Tourism has set an ambitious target of welcoming 100,000 Indian visitors, aiming for a 30 per cent increase over the previous year. This target reflects both, the destination’s growing popularity and the effectiveness of its market outreach initiatives.
