Home » MONGOLIA TRAVEL NEWS » Mongolia Targets 1 Million Tourists with Simplified Visas and 25 Percent Growth in Arrivals
Thursday, August 15, 2024
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Mongolia, the vast and scenic East Asian country, is making a determined push to revive its tourism industry, which suffered a severe blow during the COVID-19 pandemic. With a target of attracting one million tourists by the end of 2025, Mongolia is rolling out an ambitious strategy to entice international travelers.
Current Tourist Arrivals
As of July 2024, Mongolia has welcomed approximately 430,000 tourists, a figure that, while significant, still falls short of the country’s ambitious target. The 430,000 arrivals represent a 25% increase compared to the same period last year, indicating a positive trend, but there is still a long way to go to reach the one million mark.
Boosting Mongolia’s Tourism Appeal
Mongolia’s tourism offerings are as diverse as they are captivating, ranging from reindeer sleigh rides and camel racing to stunning landscapes that stretch across the country’s vast expanse. Despite these attractions, many potential tourists remain unaware of what Mongolia has to offer.
To change this, the Mongolian government has launched the “Welcome to Mongolia” initiative. This comprehensive campaign aims to make the country more accessible and appealing to international tourists. Key measures under the initiative include:
- Increased Flight Options: To make travel to Mongolia more convenient, the government has worked to expand flight routes, making the country more accessible to travelers from various parts of the world.
- Simplified Visa Procedures: Recognizing the importance of easy access, Mongolia has simplified its visa application process, making it easier for tourists to plan their trips.
- Visa-Free Entry for Select Countries: In a bid to attract more tourists, Mongolia has introduced visa-free entry for citizens of certain countries, removing one of the potential barriers to travel.
The Road Ahead
With these measures, Mongolia is optimistic about reaching its goal of one million tourists by 2025. The country’s rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and unique experiences offer a compelling draw for travelers seeking new and off-the-beaten-path destinations.
As the global travel industry continues to recover from the pandemic, Mongolia’s efforts to revive and expand its tourism sector could position it as a top destination in East Asia. The success of the “Welcome to Mongolia” initiative will be crucial in determining whether the country can meet its ambitious target and make a full recovery in its tourism industry.
