In many countries, tour guiding is considered a prestigious profession, often requiring official certification. However, in Mongolia, the short tourism season and lack of specialized training programs have historically hindered efforts to professionalize the field by issuing licenses to tour guides and interpreters.

To address this gap, a significant development occurred last year with the revision of the Law on Tourism. The updated legislation introduces measures to license individuals working in this sector, establish professional categories and levels, and enhance their skills. As part of this initiative, the Mongolian Tourism Organization has officially launched efforts to register tour guides and interpreters as members, provide them with professional licenses, and implement a classification system.

Members who register with the association are entitled to several benefits, including a waiver of the examination fee required for obtaining a professional license and complimentary one-year coverage under an accident insurance plan. These incentives aim to encourage participation and elevate the standards of Mongolia’s tourism industry.

Registration for the 2024 professional licensing examination concluded last week, marking a critical step in the association’s drive to professionalize the tour guiding sector and align it with international standards.

As Mongolia continues to grow as a travel destination, these advancements are poised to not only strengthen the credibility of tour guides but also ensure that visitors receive high-quality services from knowledgeable and skilled professionals.