As part of the “Years to Visit Mongolia 2024-2028” initiative, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, Tourism, and Youth of Mongolia, in collaboration with the Mongolia Tourism Organization, is hosting the “Tourism Week-2025” from February 10-15, 2025.
The event brings together representatives from over 30 public organizations, 1,200 private sector companies, 85 NGOs, research institutions, and professional associations, along with 30 international organizations. It serves as a dynamic platform to discuss the achievements, challenges, and future development strategies of Mongolia’s tourism industry.
Notable figures at the event included Minister of Culture, Sports, Tourism, and Youth Nomin Chinbat, President of the Mongolia Tourism Organization T. Battulga, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Mongolia Tourism Organization B. Zolbadrakh, and officials from the Tourism Policy Implementation Department of Ulaanbaatar City. International guests such as Regional Director of the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) Hannah Pearson and Professor at Sejong University Dr. Seul Kee Li also shared valuable insights into the global tourism landscape.
During the Opening Ceremony, Minister Nomin Chinbat highlighted several major achievements in Mongolia's tourism sector, including the country’s formal partnership with Trip.com, a platform with over 500 million users. This partnership will allow travelers to easily book flights to Mongolia and access tourism products and services. The Minister also emphasized Mongolia’s official partnership with the China International Travel Mart and recognition by global travel publications like Lonely Planet and Wanderlust, which have named Mongolia among the top destinations to visit in 2024. These efforts have contributed to a remarkable 126% increase in positive international perceptions of Mongolia.
To improve air travel accessibility, aviation agreements have been signed with key countries, facilitating direct flights to 155 destinations by 2024. Mongolia also celebrated a historic milestone by surpassing 2 million air travelers. As part of this, United Airlines will begin direct flights to Mongolia in May 2025.
In line with visa policy simplifications, citizens from 32 countries can now visit Mongolia visa-free, while citizens from 36 countries are eligible for e-visa applications. Collaborative efforts with international media outlets such as CNN, BBC, and prominent global content creators have also significantly enhanced Mongolia’s international profile.
Looking ahead, Mongolia aims to attract 2 million tourists annually by 2030 and double the average expenditure per tourist from USD 2,000 to USD 4,000. This ambitious target could generate up to USD 8 billion in tourism revenue, contributing 10% to the country’s GDP. To achieve this, Mongolia’s tourism sector must maintain an annual growth rate exceeding 15%, supported by strategic investments, sustainable practices, and inter-sectoral coordination.
Chair of the Board of Directors of the Mongolia Tourism Organization B. Zolbadrakh noted that since the launch of the “Years to Visit Mongolia” initiative in 2023, the tourism sector has grown by 23%, a remarkable achievement. The event discussions will focus on how to build on this success, particularly by promoting year-round tourism and integrating it with regional development strategies to reach the target of one million tourists annually.
President of the Mongolia Tourism Organization T. Battulga emphasized the importance of balancing growth with quality, stating that enhancing the length of stay and enriching the tourist experience are top priorities. He also stressed the need for region-specific tourism strategies and greater collaboration between the public and private sectors to achieve these goals.
Hannah Pearson, Regional Director of ATTA, shared her experience of visiting Mongolia, noting, “This is my second time here, and my purpose for participating in Tourism Week-2025 is to share how the Adventure Travel Trade Association views adventure travel trends and how they can support Mongolia’s tourism development. Mongolia's strengths lie in its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and spiritual heritage. However, challenges like connectivity and seasonality remain. Most travelers come in summer, and fewer visit during winter. Adventure travel, however, can help address seasonality as many adventure travelers enjoy visiting during the shoulder season, regardless of extreme temperatures. This is an opportunity for Mongolia. The Adventure Travel Trade Association has significant expertise in helping destinations become globally attractive travel hubs.”
Although still relatively new to Mongolia, Pearson shared her personal experience, saying, “I ventured out to the steppes, where we rode horses. This typical experience for tourists visiting Mongolia was unique. More off-the-beaten-path experiences, deeper engagement with local cultures, and interactions with nomadic life should be key to attracting more visitors to Mongolia.”
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