The article analyzes modern trends in the development of pilgrimage tourism. It examines the essence of pilgrimage and religious tourism, as well as perspectives on them. Changes in the content of religious tourism and the characteristics of these changes are described. Issues of terminology related to the harmony of the concepts of pilgrimage and tourism, changes in tourist motivation for pilgrimage, the study of specific pilgrimage tourism objects, and the use of digital technologies in this field are also considered.

The article examines the organizational and economic opportunities for developing pilgrimage tourism in Uzbekistan in connection with historical and Islamic heritage, regional destinations, service quality, halal tourism requirements, digital promotion, international branding and public-private partnership mechanisms. Based on official statistical bulletins, the paper analyzes the dynamics of inbound tourism in 2021 – 2025 and the regional accommodation indicators of inbound visitors in 2024. The 2026 “Umra plus” programme is interpreted as a practical economic incentive aimed at integrating Uzbekistan into international umrah-related pilgrimage flows. Based on the results, practical proposals were developed to connect pilgrimage routes between regions, expand halal service standards, create a digital platform, and introduce monitoring indicators.