Article
Hospitality Skills Boosted in Umnugovi province of Mongolia
As part of the “Promoting Sustainable Tourism in Mongolia through UNESCO Cultural and Geo Heritage” project, supported by Rio Tinto Mongolia LLC, UNESCO collaborated with the Governor’s Office of Khanbogd Soum to organize a two-day capacity-building workshop on hospitality management on 29-30 May 2025 in Khanbogd soum, Umnugovi province, Mongolia. This initiative forms part of a series of workshops planned throughout the year aimed at advancing sustainable tourism through the capacity-building of local communities and promotion of its rich cultural and geo heritage.
Held at the Citizens’ Development Center in Khanbogd soum, the workshop brought together hospitality sector stakeholders from both Khanbogd and Manlai soums. Participants included local operators of restaurants, coffee shops, hotels, ger camps, homestays, shops, and producers of tourism-related products. The workshop aimed to strengthen hospitality skills, introduce sustainable tourism practices, and equip participants with the knowledge and tools needed to offer high-quality, diverse, and culturally integrated services to both domestic and international tourists.
Led by a team of experienced facilitators – Mr. Yerbakhit Badyelgajy, Hospitality Lecturer at Otgontenger University, Dr. Bandi Namsrai, Khanbogd native and Board Member of Khustai National Park, Ms. Munkhsaikhan Surenjav, Executive Director of the Flaming Cliffs Development Center located in Bulgan soum of Umnugovi province and Ms. Temuulen Lkhagvasuren, Senior Instructor at the Mongolian Guide Association – the workshop featured interactive sessions on tourism trends, service standards, marketing and promotion, food safety, ger camp operations, and herder-run hostels. Participants also engaged in discussions about developing their small businesses and explored the tourism potential of the region’s cultural, natural, and geo heritage.
One of the most appreciated aspects of the workshop was its practical relevance. Participants described the training as "very timely, useful and practical," noting that the content directly addressed the challenges they face in managing and improving tourism and hospitality services in their communities. The opportunity to learn about existing good practices and exchange ideas with peers from across the region also enriched the learning experience, reinforcing a sense of shared purpose and community resilience.
During the group discussions, many attendees expressed renewed motivation and a clearer vision for the future of their businesses. Several participants shared plans to upgrade their restaurants, homestays and ger accommodations based on the standards and examples presented during the sessions. Others discussed how integrating local cultural practices into their food and service offerings could enhance authenticity and attract more visitors.
The workshop concluded with a certificate ceremony acknowledging the efforts and engagement of participants, which was awarded to participants by Mr. Altangerel Bat-Erdene, Deputy Governor of Khanbogd soum. The certificates, jointly signed by Prof. Shahbaz Khan, Director and Representative of the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, Mr. Tseveenravdan M., Governor of Khanbogd soum, and Mr. Gereltuv D., Executive Director of Mongolia QUEST LLC, symbolized not only completion of the training but also a commitment to sustainable and community-driven tourism development.
This workshop marks a significant step in empowering local actors in Khanbogd and Manlai soums to take leadership in shaping a more inclusive and sustainable tourism future. By investing in local capacity, UNESCO aims to ensure that tourism development directly benefits communities, preserves the unique cultural and natural heritage, and helps develop the nascent tourism sector in Khanbogd and Manlai soums to its full potential in the coming years.
