By B.Nyamsuren

More than 100 tourism scholars, researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals from around 22 countries have gathered in Ulaanbaatar as the 15th Asia Tourism Forum (ATF 2026) officially opened on June 11.

Held under the theme “Trends and Development in Asian Tourism and Hospitality,” the three-day event is expected to become one of the most significant international tourism forums hosted in Mongolia in recent years. Participants from countries including South Korea, Australia, China, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, the United States, Germany, and Mongolia are taking part in discussions focused on the future of tourism, hospitality management, innovation, sustainability, and destination development across Asia.

The forum is jointly organized by Mongolia’s Ministry of Culture, Sports, Tourism and Youth, the Mongolian Tourism Professional Association, and the National Tourism Development Center, with support from tourism education and professional organizations.

Strengthening Mongolia’s Position in Regional Tourism

The opening of the forum comes at a time when Mongolia is seeking to expand tourism as one of the key pillars of economic diversification. While the country remains internationally known for its vast landscapes, nomadic culture, and unique heritage, tourism stakeholders are increasingly looking for ways to improve competitiveness, attract higher-value visitors, and strengthen Mongolia’s international profile.

Hosting the Asia Tourism Forum provides a unique opportunity to introduce Mongolia directly to influential academics, tourism planners, destination marketers, and industry leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region.

Organizers believe the event will contribute not only to the promotion of Mongolia as a travel destination but also to the development of long-term partnerships in research, education, tourism management, and investment.

The forum is also expected to create new opportunities for cooperation between Mongolian institutions and internationally recognized universities, research centers, and tourism organizations.

A Platform for Ideas and Innovation

Since its establishment in 1993, the Asia Tourism Forum has developed into one of the region’s leading platforms for tourism and hospitality research. Previous editions have been hosted in Hong Kong, Indonesia, China, Thailand, South Korea, and France.

This year’s program covers a broad range of topics that reflect the rapidly changing nature of the tourism industry. Discussions focus on tourism policy, destination management, marketing strategies, sustainable tourism, regenerative tourism, digital transformation, tourism economics, hospitality innovation, and workforce development.

Participants are also exploring emerging issues such as artificial intelligence, service robotics, environmental sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and the role of technology in reshaping visitor experiences.

Industry observers note that the tourism sector is undergoing significant transformation as destinations around the world adapt to changing traveler expectations, technological advances, and increasing demands for sustainable development. Against this backdrop, forums such as ATF provide valuable opportunities to exchange knowledge, share research findings, and identify future trends.

Building Knowledge, Partnerships and Human Resources

Speaking about the significance of hosting the forum in Mongolia, Batbold, Deputy Director of the Mongolian Tourism Professional Institute, said the event offers benefits that extend far beyond the conference itself.

According to him, one of the forum’s greatest strengths is its strong academic foundation. Most participants are university professors, researchers, and tourism educators, creating a valuable platform for exchanging knowledge, sharing international experience, and discussing new developments in tourism education and research.

“The forum is important because it introduces Mongolia through academic research and professional discussions,” he said. “Many participants are visiting Mongolia for the first time. This gives them an opportunity to see the country firsthand and gain a more accurate understanding of Mongolia’s tourism potential and development opportunities.”

Batbold noted that the forum is expected to strengthen future cooperation in tourism education and human resource development across Asia. The gathering creates opportunities for partnerships between universities and training institutions, potentially opening new pathways for preparing tourism professionals and sharing expertise among countries in the region.

Another important outcome, he said, is the potential for joint research initiatives. The forum provides a venue for scholars and institutions to develop collaborative research projects focusing on tourism, hospitality, destination management, and sustainable development.

“Through these partnerships, information about Mongolia can reach a much wider international audience,” he explained. “Researchers who visit Mongolia and become familiar with the country are more likely to include Mongolia in future academic studies, publications, and international discussions.”

He added that increasing Mongolia’s visibility within global academic and tourism networks could generate long-term benefits by attracting further research cooperation, educational exchanges, and international attention to the country’s tourism sector.

Looking Beyond the Event

The significance of ATF 2026 extends beyond the conference halls of Ulaanbaatar. Organizers view the event as part of Mongolia’s broader effort to establish itself as an active participant in regional tourism development and international tourism dialogue.

By bringing together global experts and industry leaders, the forum is expected to enhance Mongolia’s visibility within the international tourism community while supporting future cooperation in education, research, destination marketing, and investment.

As discussions continue through June 13, tourism stakeholders hope the event will generate practical recommendations and new partnerships that contribute to the long-term growth of both Mongolia’s tourism industry and the broader tourism sector across Asia.

With international tourism entering a new era shaped by innovation, sustainability, and evolving consumer expectations, the Asia Tourism Forum 2026 offers Mongolia an opportunity not only to host a major international event but also to help shape the future direction of tourism development in the region.

Source: Zuuniimedee № 111 (7853) June 12, 2026

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