The global tourism sector has greatly suffered – and continues to do so – due to the COVID-19 pandemic following the closure of borders. According to the Mongolian Tourism Organisation, the pandemic has affected 95.4 percent of all local businesses, 78.8 percent of them faced challenges to keep jobs and 30 percent of them have had to cut 70 percent of all workers.

Mongolia is preparing to open its borders from 1 May, but not with all countries simultaneously.

The organisation conducted a survey among 100 tour companies about foreign tourist who planned to travel in Mongolia as soon as the country opens its borders. According to the survey, some 40,000 foreign tourists are waiting for Mongolia to re-open its borders.

More than 500 tour companies are registered in Mongolia; over 200 of them have active operations.