Tourism and culture take center stage at executive training programme in Mongolia

International

UN Tourism recently welcomed senior tourism officials from across the Asia-Pacific region to highlight the essential connection between tourism and culture in shaping resilient, inclusive destinations.

The 19th edition of the Executive Training Programme on Tourism Policy and Strategy took place in Ulaanbaatar from 19 to 22 May. Co-organized with the Ministry of Culture, Sports, Tourism and Youth of Mongolia, and sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Korea, this year’s edition focused on the theme: “Tourism and Culture: Optimizing Beneficial Impacts and Building Resilience.”

As the first edition to be held in Mongolia, the programme represented a milestone for regional cooperation. Delegates were offered a unique opportunity to experience Mongolia’s living nomadic heritage and explore the country’s emerging potential in cultural tourism.

A dynamic platform for policy exchange

The event brought together 33 delegates from 21 Member States and Associate Members, serving once again as a unique forum for high-level knowledge sharing. The programme included an opening forum, four focused sessions, and a technical field tour, offering a holistic understanding of how culture-led tourism can support economic recovery, strengthen social bonds, and promote environmental stewardship.

Led by Professor Joseph M. Cheer, a global expert on sustainable tourism and UN Tourism consultant, the training sessions were grounded in international best practices, regional case studies, and future-oriented policy frameworks.

Exploring the tourism–culture nexus

The Opening Forum featured keynote addresses by Professor Joseph Cheer, Mr. Shin Hyun Chul of Jeju Tourism Organization, and Mr. Battulga Tumurdash, President of the Mongolian Tourism Organization. Together, they explored evolving trends in cultural tourism and highlighted opportunities for innovation, creativity, and community engagement.

The four thematic sessions focused on:

· Governance at the tourism–culture interface

· Community-led cultural tourism

· Enterprise development and innovation

· Future frontiers of culture-based tourism

Countries including Indonesia, Thailand, Nepal, the Republic of Korea, Fiji, and Bhutan shared national strategies and success stories. These underscored inclusive approaches, strong stakeholder participation, and the safeguarding of both tangible and intangible cultural heritage.

A shared commitment to action

In his opening remarks, Mr. Harry Hwang, Director of UN Tourism’s Regional Department for Asia and the Pacific, stated:

“Culture is not only a source of identity—it is a powerful, transformative force in tourism. The stories, traditions, and creativity within our communities are key to building destinations that are inclusive and resilient.”

Looking to the future

Launched in 2006, the UN Tourism Asia-Pacific Executive Training Programme remains a flagship initiative in capacity building across the region. As destinations continue to navigate recovery and transformation, the insights gained in Ulaanbaatar will help shape tourism strategies that place sustainability, culture, and community at their core.