Foreign tourist arrivals to Mongolia in Jan.-Aug. surge 23 pct

Mongolia welcomed a total of 576,283 foreign tourists in the first eight months of 2024, marking a 23 percent increase compared to the same period last year, according to a statement from the country's Ministry of Culture, Sports, Tourism, and Youth on Monday.

From January to August, Russia, China, and South Korea were the top sources of foreign tourists to Mongolia, as reported by the ministry.

In a bid to diversify its mining-dependent economy, Mongolia has been actively promoting tourism. The country has designated 2023-2025 as the "Years to Visit Mongolia," with a goal of attracting at least 1 million foreign tourists annually.

Last year, Mongolia drew over 650,000 foreign visitors and generated 1.2 billion U.S. dollars from the tourism sector, setting an all-time high.

xinhua