Rural Development in Mongolia

In many regions of the world, tourism is increasingly seen as a means for economic development: promotion of employment,income generation, encouragement of entrepreneurial activity and diversification of local economy. Tourism is a rapidly growing economic sector which has a great potential to contribute to socio-economic development in Mongolia, particularly in rural regions, where 90% of total tourism activities take place. The Government of Mongolia has recognized tourism as a priority sector with a great potential to contribute to economic development of the country. A considerable attention has been given to the promotion of tourism development, but little has been paid to the analysis of the implications of tourism on specific local communities and on its impact on socio-economic aspects of the rural population.