Mongolia Hosts Dynamic Gathering of Tourism and Culture Leaders
The Executive Training Programme took center stage in Mongolia, promoting cultural tourism as a transformative force.
Tourism and culture converged in Mongolia like never before during the 19th edition of the Executive Training Programme on Tourism Policy and Strategy. This landmark event took place from May 19 to 22 in Ulaanbaatar, highlighting the theme “Tourism and Culture: Optimizing Beneficial Impacts and Building Resilience.” Co-organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, Tourism, and Youth of Mongolia, with support from the Republic of Korea, this gathering marked a turning point for the region.
Premier Platform for Policy Dialogue
33 delegates from 21 Member States and Associate Members gathered to exchange insights on modern policy trends and strategies. The event featured a special forum, four thematic sessions, and a technical tour, fostering discussions on how culture-driven tourism can drive economic renewal, social unity, and ecological protection. According to Mirage News, this initiative signifies a step forward in creating more inclusive and resilient tourism destinations.
Environment of Collaborative Expertise
Under the guidance of global sustainable tourism expert, Professor Joseph M. Cheer, participants explored governance dynamics at the tourism-culture intersection. The discussions touched on community-driven cultural tourism, enterprise development, and innovation. National strategies from countries like Indonesia, Thailand, and Bhutan emphasized sustainable tourism, incorporating inclusive models and cultural preservation.
A Shared Vision for Cultural Enrichment
Mr. Harry Hwang of UN Tourism highlighted the theme’s relevance, emphasizing the power of culture in enhancing tourism experiences: “Culture is not just a source of identity; it is a transformative force in tourism,” he stated, urging destinations to build on their rich cultural narratives to create inspiring visitor experiences.
Bridging the Future with Cultural Tourism
Launched in 2006, the UN Tourism Asia-Pacific Executive Training Programme continues to push boundaries in capacity building. The valuable insights shared in Ulaanbaatar play a pivotal role in shaping tourism strategies rooted in sustainability and community. This globally significant event underscores Mongolia’s growing role as a leader in cultural tourism, setting the stage for continued innovation and collaboration.
This material, provided by the hosting organizations, has been edited to maintain clarity and length within the original narrative scope.
