KUALA LUMPUR - Mongolia Prime Minister G. Zandanshatar plans to welcome one million tourists and earn USD1 billion from tourism next year, he said in regional meetings in Khuvsgul province ahead of a national leaders’ summit, last Wednesday.

The Government Secretariat is preparing a joint meeting of provincial governors, Ulaanbaatar city leaders and local administrators on January 15, where a results agreement is expected to be signed.

Earlier, on January 5, Zandanshatar joined an online briefing with government officials and more than 300 soum and district leaders, with representatives from all 21 provinces and the capital taking part.

“The concept of a golden triangle of tourism has emerged,” the prime minister said.

He also referred to a development area covering Khuvsgul, Arkhangai, Selenge and Bulgan, which he said has strong potential in tourism and agriculture.

“This year the tourism sector earned USD 700 million; next year we aim to host one million tourists and earn USD 1 billion from tourism,” he added.

To meet these targets, Zandanshatar said the government will focus on improving infrastructure in Khuvsgul province, including new and ongoing road projects, to support an integrated and environmentally friendly eco-tourism policy.