Mongolia’s Former Culture and Tourism Minister, Nomin Chinbat, faced the challenge of promoting a country that 90% of people are unaware of. A survey revealed that many people mistook Mongolia for being a part of China, hindering the government’s efforts to boost tourism and diversify the economy away from mining.
Despite Mongolia’s reputation for extreme cold and high pollution levels causing health issues, Nomin aimed to reshape perceptions. She highlighted Genghis Khan’s positive contributions to history, aiming to educate visitors about the country’s rich cultural heritage beyond the warlord’s notorious image.
Highlighting Mongolia’s nomadic lifestyle and unique landscapes, Nomin emphasized the appeal of the country to adventurous travelers. With a growing number of tourists visiting Mongolia each year, the government aims to reach 2 million visitors by 2030.
Collaborations with international partners, promotional activities, and improved air connections are helping to increase tourism to Mongolia. While reaching Mongolia from the UK can be challenging and expensive, efforts to raise awareness about the country have been successful, with more people around the world now recognizing Mongolia’s unique appeal.