China’s tourism industry has undergone dynamic growth and strategic innovation from 2015 to 2024, marked by digital transformation, massive infrastructure investments, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) tourism corridors, and eco-tourism policies. In parallel, Uzbekistan’s tourism sector — especially after the 2016 political transition — has pursued rapid reforms, visa liberalization, and infrastructure development to boost its appeal. This study provides a comprehensive review of Chinese tourism development trends and strategies between 2015 and 2024, and analyzes how these strategies have influenced or could influence Uzbekistan’s tourism policy. Using a comparative approach, we examine areas where Uzbekistan has adapted Chinese practices, such as digitalization of tourist services and infrastructure investment, and identify opportunities for deeper integration. Case studies of Sino-Uzbek tourism cooperation, including bilateral agreements and BRI-related projects, illustrate practical collaboration. Data visualizations highlight key metrics: tourist arrivals in China and Uzbekistan, bilateral tourist flows, investment in tourism infrastructure, growth of digital tourism services, and the role of BRI in Uzbekistan’s tourism. The findings suggest that while Uzbekistan has made significant strides (e.g. simplifying visas and improving infrastructure) in line with global best practices exemplified by China, challenges remain in scaling these initiatives. We conclude that aligning Uzbekistan’s tourism development more closely with Chinese strategies offers substantial opportunities for growth, provided that policies are tailored to local context and potential obstacles — such as resource limitations and market differences — are managed. The article is structured as a scholarly work with sections on literature review, methodology, findings, discussion, and conclusion, and is supported by extensive citations from recent sources.

BRI, tourism development policy, capacity gaps, competition, rural tourism, smart tourism.

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