MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTRY OF CULTURE, SPORT, TOURISM AND YOUTH

Distinguished delegates, esteemed colleagues, and honored guests,

It is a profound honor to welcome you, on behalf of the Government of Mongolia and the Ministry of Culture, Sports, Tourism and Youth, to the 15th Asia Tourism Forum here in Ulaanbaatar. We are truly privileged to host such a distinguished gathering of scholars, practitioners, and leaders from across our region, united by a shared commitment to shaping the future of tourism and hospitality in Asia.

Mongolia is a land where ancient nomadic traditions coexist harmoniously with the energy of modern development. In recent years, tourism has become one of the most dynamic engines of our growth—driving innovation, fostering cultural exchange, and opening new pathways of cooperation. For us, tourism is not only an economic priority, but also a bridge that connects people, knowledge, and values across borders.

The theme of this forum, “The Asian Paradigm in Hospitality and Tourism,” is both timely and deeply relevant. Asia today stands at the forefront of defining global standards in service excellence, sustainability, and digital transformation. Mongolia is proud to contribute to this collective journey, offering our unique perspectives, experiences, and aspirations to the regional dialogue.

As Minister—and as someone whose professional roots are in education—I place special importance on platforms such as this. The integration of research, policy, and practice is indispensable to nurturing talent, shaping effective strategies, and ensuring that tourism develops in ways that are sustainable, inclusive, and resilient. By working together—academia, industry, and government—we can generate solutions that serve not only our economies, but also our societies and the environment we share.

I wish to extend my sincere appreciation to our co-hosts—Mongolia Tourism Organization and the School of Hotel and Tourism Management at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University—for their dedication and tireless efforts in making this important gathering possible.

May this forum be fruitful, inspiring, and impactful. I wish you every success in your deliberations, and warmly invite you to experience the rich culture, warm hospitality, and breathtaking natural beauty of Mongolia during your stay.

- Undram. Ch Minister of Culture, Sport, Tourism and Youth

MESSAGE FROM THE MONGOLIA TOURISM ORGANIZATION

Dear participants of the 15th Asian Tourism Forum and esteemed partners of the industry, welcome to the "Hospitality Service, the Asian Paradigm of Tourism."

The Government of Mongolia has designated the tourism sector as a priority economic direction and declared 2023-2028 as the "Year of Visiting Mongolia." Together, during this period, we have effectively promoted Mongolia in the global tourism market, attracting the attention of tourists from many countries. For the first time, Mongolia received over 800,000 tourists in a year and generated 1 billion USD in revenue from tourism. Internationally renowned magazines and media have named Mongolia one of the safest countries to travel to. Our pristine nature, wildlife, and the history and culture of the Mongolian people are the main attractions for tourists. In addition to traditional tourism, various adventurous and winter tourism activities are developing.

Hospitality service is a crucial part of the tourism sector, and hosting the "Hospitality Service, the Asian Paradigm of Tourism" event in our country is of great importance for the development of the industry.

May the forum be fruitful and contribute significantly to the development of the regional tourism sector. I wish success to all participants. Please enjoy your stay in Mongolia!

Best Regards,

- Battulga. T President of Mongolia Tourism Organization

MESSAGE FROM THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY

With the rapid rise of Asia as a major player in the global tourism landscape during the 1990s, it became evident that there was a pressing need for an international platform where tourism industry leaders, researchers, academics, and policymakers could convene to exchange knowledge and ideas. The Asia Tourism Forum (ATF) was established to fulfill this vision.

Since its inception in 1993 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam under the theme “Tourism in Vietnam – Opportunities for Development, Marketing and Investment”, ATF has evolved into a pivotal biennial event that fosters dialogue, research collaboration and shared strategies for the sustainable development of tourism across Asia. Over the years, the Forum has been held in dynamic destinations including Thailand, Hong Kong, South Korea, Mainland China, France, and Indonesia, reflecting its international scope and regional influence.

Co-hosted by the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and the Mongolia Tourism Organisation, the 15th Asia Tourism Forum will be held from 11 to 13 June 2026 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, under the theme “The Asian Paradigm in Hospitality and Tourism”.

Committed to its mission, ATF continues to advance tourism knowledge and best practices. The 2026 Forum will bring together leading scholars, researchers, industry professionals, policymakers and students pursuing higher degrees in tourism to share insights and cutting-edge research on emerging issues and trends in tourism, particularly in the areas aligned with the conference core themes of tourism development, marketing and sustainability.

With its rich cultural heritage and vast tourism potential, Mongolia offers an inspiring backdrop for this international gathering. We warmly invite you to join us in June 2026 for what promises to be an enlightening and impactful event. Together, we will continue to shape the future of tourism in Asia.

- Professor Kaye Chon Dean and Chair Professor, Walter and Wendy Kwok Family Foundation Professor in International Hospitality Management School of Hotel and Tourism Management, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Founding Chairman, Asia Tourism Forum