The aim of this study is to provide evidence on the role and contribution tourism can make towards promoting cultural integration between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Through historical context, recent tourism planning attempts and its economic dimension the study seeks to reveal how tourism may facilitate cultural encounter and mutual understanding. This was done through surveys with 100 tourists (locally and foreign travelers) and interviews conducted on tour operators, approximately 10 from both countries. ANOVA was conducted to analyse quantitative data by comparing perceptions, depending on the nationality, travel frequency and taking part in cultural activities. The thematic analysis for these interviews yielded important themes of cultural inclusion, economic impact and challenges industry wide. These areas are seen in the findings, for instance through tourism and promotion of cultural events coupled with frequent travel is a key area (which we can say that transmits not only mutual understanding but more importantly aculturality). Nonetheless, the prospect of a smooth integration is met with obstacles in terms of political bickering, constraints on infrastructure and cultural chasms. The report then closes with recommendations to foster cultural tourism integration e.g. policy-making, infrastructure investment and sore-needed culture-centred programmes. From this perspective, our findings make an important contribution to the debate over tourism as a means for community and cultural integration in Central Asia that will be of interest both to policy-makers, local stakeholders and scholars.