Wanderlust Travel Magazine conducts an annual Reader Travel Awards survey where 168,000 travelers vote for their favorite destinations across 22 categories. Uzbekistan was named the most promising emerging destination by readers who also voted for the most promising travel spots worldwide this year.
Uzbekistan is praised for its historical richness and stunning natural landscapes, ranging from the vast Kyzylkum Desert to the shores of the Aral Sea, although these wonders often remain overlooked. In addition to these, the Nurota Mountains are highlighted as another fascinating destination. Visitors can also explore Uzbekistan’s vibrant culture by learning about its ancient winemaking traditions and savoring the national dish, pilaf, which is recognized as part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. Notably, Albania and Qatar ranked second and third, respectively, on this list.
