Mongolia, a land of vast open spaces, breathtaking landscapes, and a rich cultural heritage, has been crowned the top travel destination for 2024 by Lonely Planet. This landlocked nation, once the heart of Genghis Khan’s empire, is now a sparsely populated country with only 3.3 million residents, half of whom live in the capital, Ulaanbaatar.
The country is actively working to attract more tourists by launching the “Welcome to MonGOlia” campaign. This initiative aims to revive its tourism industry, which was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the campaign, the Mongolian government has added more flights and simplified the visa process, offering visa-free entry for visitors from numerous countries.
The effort seems to be paying off, as Mongolia welcomed over 437,000 foreign tourists in the first seven months of this year, marking a 25% increase from the previous year. Visitors from Europe, the U.S., Japan, and especially South Korea have shown a notable rise, with the latter almost doubling due to the under-four-hour flight.
Despite these positive trends, Mongolia is still striving to reach its ambitious goal of attracting 1 million visitors annually from 2023 to 2025.
Mongolia offers a truly unique experience for travelers. The vast open spaces make it a paradise for adventure tourists, offering horseback trips, camping, and the unique experience of staying in traditional felt-covered dwellings known as gers. Visitors can enjoy the rugged beauty of Mongolia’s landscapes without the need for permissions or gate entries, allowing for complete freedom of exploration.
Egjimaa Battsooj, a representative from a local tour company, emphasized Mongolia’s distinct cultural heritage, stating, “We are kind of like the last truly nomad culture on the whole planet.”
Mongolia’s growing appeal has been further boosted by high-profile events and cultural exports. These include the visit of Pope Francis, the success of Mongolian breakdancers at the Asian Games, and the global popularity of The Hu, a folk-metal band blending traditional Mongolian instruments with modern rock.
Yet, Mongolia remains a largely undiscovered gem for many. American tourist Michael John, who included Ulaanbaatar in his itinerary after learning about Genghis Khan, shared, “It was a great opportunity to learn more.” This sentiment is echoed by many visitors who are drawn to the country’s rich history and cultural experiences.
Tourism was a significant contributor to Mongolia’s economy before the pandemic, accounting for 7.2% of its GDP and 7.6% of its employment in 2019. The World Bank sees great potential for Mongolia to further develop its tourism sector, particularly in sports and adventure tourism.
Mongolia’s tourism campaigns showcase its stunning winter landscapes, opportunities for skating on frozen lakes, viewing the Northern Lights, reindeer sledding, camel racing, and hiking adventures. Local entrepreneurs like Munkhjargal Dayan offer unique experiences such as rides on two-humped Bactrian camels, traditional archery, and eagle hunting demonstrations.
However, there are still challenges to overcome. The country’s vast steppes can become difficult to traverse in summer, and the infrastructure in tourism areas remains underdeveloped. A lack of accommodations and skilled labor also poses hurdles.
Dutch tourist Jasper Koning acknowledged these challenges but praised Mongolia’s natural beauty and friendly people, noting that despite the difficulties, the trip was thoroughly enjoyable.
As Mongolia continues to enhance its tourism offerings, it remains a destination rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, waiting to be explored by those seeking unique and unforgettable experiences.
