Tourism

Visitor arrivals have jumped substantially in recent years, topping 475,000 in 2012, up 3.4% from the previous year and from less than 150,000 in 2000. As of mid-2013 the government has been working with the private sector to overhaul the country’s tourism regulatory regime and development strategy. In March 2013 the minister of culture, sports and tourism announced that the government had allocated $600,000 for tourism marketing in 2013, including $300,000 for promotional activities, $120,000 for international tours and expositions, and $180,000 for advertising. As of 2012 the industry’s direct economic contribution was 194m, or 2.3% of GDP. This figure was projected to rise by 7.2% in 2013 and by around 7% annually through to 2023. While major challenges remain – including how to attract visitors during the long, cold winter months – many local operators are broadly optimistic about the sector’s long-term potential. This chapter contains an interview with Ts. Oyungerel, Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.