Travel + Leisure has expanded its global presence with the launch of Travel + Leisure Central Asia, a new platform designed to showcase one of the world’s most overlooked but fascinating travel regions. The brand will publish a print magazine and operate a dedicated digital website, YouTube channel, and social media platforms.

This new initiative offers travelers detailed stories, hotel reviews, cultural insights, and practical travel guidance covering Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

A Region Opening Its Doors to the World

The editor-in-chief, Barno Ikramova, said the goal of the platform is to help global travelers experience the “energy of our cities and the silence of our mountains.” Her message reflects the region’s growing efforts to welcome tourists.
Government tourism authorities in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have recently promoted easier visa policies, improved airport infrastructure, and new cultural tourism routes, making the region far more accessible than ever before for international visitors.

Countries such as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan now allow visa-free entry for travelers from several nations, according to their respective government tourism portals. This makes Central Asia a convenient entry point for travelers wanting to explore the historical Silk Road.

A Digital Gateway to Discovery

The new Travel + Leisure Central Asia website will feature destination guides, travel news, hotel recommendations, and first-person stories. These resources will help travelers plan safe and meaningful itineraries across the region.

Readers will find a mix of practical advice and inspirational features, from culinary recommendations to cultural etiquette tips approved by official tourism boards. The digital platform will also highlight general travel updates from local authorities, helping travelers stay informed about transportation changes, new museums, and tourism developments.

Stories from Five Countries

Travel + Leisure Central Asia has already published features that highlight the immense diversity of the region.
One recent article explores the mountain lakes of Kazakhstan, which are promoted by the country’s national tourism authority as some of the most scenic in Central Asia. Another feature highlights Khujand in Tajikistan, one of the region’s oldest cities and an important Silk Road hub.

Travelers can also learn about major cultural openings such as the Almaty Museum of Arts, which showcases contemporary art from global names like Yayoi Kusama. According to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Culture, this museum represents a major step in expanding the country’s international arts scene.

Outdoor stories capture the region’s dramatic landscapes. A feature on Yangikala Canyon in Turkmenistan describes towering cliffs and endless valleys. The canyon is considered one of the most stunning natural landmarks in the country, noted by Turkmenistan’s State Committee for Tourism.

Hotel and Resort Experiences Across Central Asia

Travel + Leisure Central Asia also reviews a selection of hotels recommended by local tourism boards for international travelers.
These include:

• Arman Dala Resort, Kazakhstan – a nature-focused escape near peaceful steppe landscapes
• Archabil Hotel, Turkmenistan – offering easy access to Ashgabat’s cultural attractions
• Dostyk Hotel, Kazakhstan – a trusted landmark known for its classic hospitality
• InterContinental Tashkent, Uzbekistan – a premium stay in the center of a growing tourism capital

These reviews will guide travelers seeking comfort, safety, and cultural immersion during their journeys.

Central Asia’s Growing Global Appeal

Ikramova explained that uniting five culturally rich nations under one brand was challenging but deeply rewarding. She noted that the new digital version of the magazine will continue to evolve, offering travelers new insights and updated guidance.

Travel + Leisure Central Asia joins other international editions, such as those covering Southeast Asia, Italy, Hong Kong, and India. The expansion reflects rising global interest in destinations along the Silk Road, from Uzbekistan’s historic monuments to Kyrgyzstan’s mountain adventures.

Government tourism agencies across Central Asia have also been actively promoting eco-tourism, heritage preservation, and cultural festivals, creating more opportunities for responsible global travel.

A New Travel Companion for Global Explorers

Travel + Leisure Central Asia stands as a comprehensive guide for travelers seeking authentic experiences. With clear travel tips, cultural stories, hotel insights, and expert recommendations, the new edition makes it easier than ever to plan a journey across Central Asia’s cities, mountains, deserts, and historic towns.

For global travelers looking for meaningful journeys, this new platform opens a door to one of the world’s most soulful and unexplored regions — a place where tradition, nature, and culture come together in extraordinary ways.