More than 16,000 Uzbeks visited Malaysia in six months.

Malaysia is gaining popularity among Uzbek tourists: in the first six months of 2026, over 16,000 Uzbek citizens visited the country. This is a 62% increase compared to the same period last year, when the number of visitors was approximately 10,000. This represents an increase of over 6,000 visitors over the course of the year. The increase in tourist flow is due to the expansion of direct flights between Tashkent and Kuala Lumpur.

Uzbekistan demonstrated one of the highest growth rates among Central Asian countries. Overall, in the first half of 2026, Malaysia welcomed over 53,000 tourists from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan, a 23.3% increase compared to the same period last year.

Kazakhstan remains the largest regional market, receiving 26,300 tourists, an 11.8% increase. Tourist arrivals from Tajikistan increased by 60.2%, reaching 2,100, while those from Kyrgyzstan increased by 13.7%, reaching approximately 4,200. More than 4,400 arrivals were recorded from Turkmenistan.

The growing interest in Malaysia is explained, in part, by its convenience for Muslim travelers. Key factors include its well-developed halal infrastructure, a wide selection of halal cuisine, and the availability of mosques and prayer sites.

Another important factor was the development of air travel. Kuala Lumpur has direct flights to Tashkent and Almaty. In July 2026, flight frequency between Tashkent and Kuala Lumpur was increased, and additional flights are planned for October.

It is noted that tourists from Central Asia are increasingly choosing destinations that allow them to combine city breaks, cultural events, gastronomy, beach holidays, nature, shopping, and entertainment in a single trip.

Plans were previously announced to hold the Malaysia-Uzbekistan International Halal Fest 2027 international forum and exhibition in Tashkent. The festival program may include an exhibition, a business forum, B2B meetings, and investment sessions.