According to the World Bank, before the pandemic, tourism contributed 7.2 pc to Mongolia’s GDP and employed 7.6 pc of its workforce
With the objective of attracting a million tourists this year, after it witnessed a steep decline in tourist arrivals since the Covid-19 pandemic, Mongolia has launched a new ‘Welcome to Mongolia’ campaign to promote tourism on the global stage.
According to a press statement by the Mongolian Tourism Association (MTA), the government has introduced more flight options and simplified the visa application process under the campaign, apart from allowing visa-free entry for citizens from some countries.
The statement adds that Mongolia, a lesser-explored gem in north-east Asia, is a nation brimming with rich cultural past. Of late, the nation has been making a strong push to attract international tourists with its unique landscapes.
According to the statement, Mongolia received about 437,000 foreign visitors in the first seven months of this year, a 25 pc increase compared to the same period last year.
This uptick includes rising numbers from Europe, the United States and Japan. South Korean visitors, in particular, have nearly doubled, thanks to the under-four-hour flight from Seoul to Ulaanbaatar.
Despite these positive trends, Mongolia is still striving to reach its target of 1 million visitors annually from 2023 to 2025, the statement adds.
The landlocked nation, located between Russia and China, was once the heart of Genghis Khan’s vast empire. With a population of 3.3 million people, half of whom live in Ulaanbaatar, travellers can explore vast landscapes of the country, unlike any other place on the planet.
The statement adds that Mongolia has been named the top destination by travel magazine Lonely Planet in its Best in Travel 2024 report.
The country is noted for its reindeer sleigh rides, camel racing and expansive wilderness and it is aiming to attract those seeking a genuine escape from the everyday.
Customised itineraries include horseback riding trips and camping excursions with the option of staying in traditional gers-felt-covered dwellings still used by Mongolian herders.
It draws visitors who wish to immerse themselves in Mongolia’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
According to the World Bank, before the pandemic, tourism contributed 7.2 pc to Mongolia’s GDP and employed 7.6 pc of its workforce.
Although the industry faced significant setbacks, the World Bank has identified substantial growth potential for Mongolia.
The statement adds that the country’s diverse landscapes, stunning scenery, and opportunities for sports and adventure tourism present a promising future for its tourism sector.