Years to Visit Mongolia: 2023-2025

Mongolia’s Tourism Sector

Mongolia’s tourism appeal lies in its rich history, deep-rooted culture, and breathtakingly diverse landscapes — from the vast steppes and rolling sand dunes of the Gobi Desert to crystal-clear mountain lakes and ancient Buddhist monasteries. The country’s unique nomadic lifestyle offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience living traditions that have endured for centuries, making Mongolia a destination unlike any other in the world.

While tourism was an increasingly popular sector in the years before 2020, it was also one of the hardest hit during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, the industry began showing promising signs of recovery, though it has yet to return to pre-pandemic levels. A significant challenge remains in the availability and quality of accommodations for incoming foreign tourists — particularly in peak travel seasons — which limits the sector’s ability to handle larger visitor numbers.

To address these gaps and accelerate recovery, the Government of Mongolia launched the ‘Years to Visit Mongolia’ initiative, declaring 2023–2025 as a dedicated period to promote Mongolia on the global stage. This nationwide campaign aims to:

• Attract more international travelers through targeted marketing and cultural diplomacy.

• Improve tourism infrastructure and hospitality services.

• Showcase Mongolia’s intangible cultural heritage, outdoor adventure opportunities, and sustainable tourism models.

• Foster cross-sector cooperation between tourism, culture, and trade to position Mongolia as a year-round destination.

  
  

Strategic Developments to Boost Tourism

On 7 April 2022, the Parliament approved a resolution to establish the Khushigt Valley Free Economic Zone — a strategic development aimed at diversifying Mongolia’s economy and strengthening its appeal as a regional tourism hub. Located near the country’s main international gateway, Chinggis Khaan International Airport, Khushigt Valley is envisioned as a multi-purpose zone integrating tourism, business, entertainment, and logistics.

As part of the country’s long-term development blueprint, Vision-2050, Mongolia is prioritizing tourism as one of its key growth sectors, leveraging its location advantages and cultural uniqueness. In line with this, the Government submitted a Draft Law on Casinos in December 2022, which is currently under Parliamentary review.

According to the draft, casino activities will be permitted exclusively within the Khushigt Valley Free Economic Zone under a government-issued license, with strict conditions and requirements for license holders. This move is intended to enhance Mongolia’s competitiveness in the global tourism market, attract high-value travelers, and stimulate foreign investment in the hospitality sector.

By combining cultural heritage preservation, modern tourism infrastructure, and strategic economic zones, Mongolia is setting the stage to welcome the world — making the ‘Years to Visit Mongolia’ more than a slogan, but a concrete opportunity for travelers, investors, and partners to engage with the country’s next chapter of growth.