Uzbekistan Partners With Turkish Airlines on Tourism
The memorandum of understanding, signed in Istanbul, aims to promote Uzbekistan through Turkish Airlines' global route network.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Middle East
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Would you be more likely to travel to Uzbekistan if airfares were discounted?
Uzbekistan signed a memorandum of understanding with Turkish Airlines in Istanbul on November 7 to promote tourism. The agreement follows a meeting between Uzbekistan's Tourism Committee Chairman Abdulaziz Akkulov and Turkish Airlines officials.
Why it matters
The agreement is expected to strengthen Uzbekistan's visibility in international tourism markets, using an airline network that serves 358 destinations in 133 countries. Partners also plan incentives intended to increase passenger traffic to the country's major tourist destinations.
The airline served 358 destinations in 133 countries and carried 92.6 million passengers in 2025, figures that frame the scale of the network being used to promote Uzbekistan. No details on expected passenger increases or campaign spending were disclosed.
The players
Turkish Airlines
Turkey's national flag carrier, which operates one of the largest international route networks in the world.
Abdulaziz Akkulov
Chairman of Uzbekistan's Tourism Committee, who led the discussions with Turkish Airlines officials that preceded the agreement.
The details
The parties plan joint international advertising campaigns and special tourism packages, along with business-to-business meetings with international tour operators. Familiarization trips for foreign journalists and bloggers are also part of the cooperation, which covers meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions tourism.
Timeline
November 7, 2026: Memorandum of understanding signed in Istanbul.
2025: Turkish Airlines carried 92.6 million passengers.
Travel Outlook
Destination marketing deals between national governments and major carriers are a recognized way for smaller tourism markets to gain access to established route networks. This agreement follows that pattern by pairing Uzbekistan's tourism promotion with the reach of a carrier serving 133 countries.
Travelers considering Uzbekistan may find more route options as the airline's network is used to promote the destination. Booking early and comparing connections through Istanbul is a practical step for trips to the country.
The takeaway
Partnerships between national tourism bodies and major airlines can widen a destination's reach without relying solely on independent marketing. Travelers planning trips should watch for the joint packages once they are announced.
Further reading
For more on destinations across the region, explore our Middle East travel coverage.
Live Poll
Would you be more likely to travel to Uzbekistan if airfares were discounted?
