ULAN BATOR, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia has achieved its goal of earning 1 billion U.S. dollars from tourism in 2023, said the country's Ministry of Environment and Tourism on Tuesday.
As of November, Mongolia welcomed more than 600,000 foreign tourists, and the revenues from the tourism sector exceeded 1 billion dollars, said the ministry in a statement.
This marks the first time that Mongolia has earned 1 billion dollars in revenue from a sector other than mining.
Currently, Mongolia's economy is primarily dependent on its export-oriented mining sector, and developing tourism is seen as the most viable way to diversify its economy as the Mongolian government has taken measures to promote the development of tourism.
In January, visa-free entry for tourism purposes was granted to 34 countries, bringing the total number of visa-exempt countries to 61. Nationals from these countries can stay in Mongolia for up to 30 days until the end of 2025.
Furthermore, the Asian country has also classified 2023-2025 as "Years to Visit Mongolia" to promote tourism.
The country has set an annual goal of welcoming at least 1 million foreign tourists and earning 1 billion dollars from tourism in the coming years. ■
