Overtourism—a term that gained widespread attention in the summer of 2017—has sparked conversations across the travel industry and the media. Articles highlighting the consequences of mass tourism have focused on destinations like the Isle of Skye in Scotland, the effect of Airbnb on Barcelona’s communities, and the overwhelming impact of cruise ship tourism on Venice and Dubrovnik. Even Iceland, long a favorite for travelers, has voiced its concerns about overtourism.
Like many issues, tourism has both positive and negative aspects. On one hand, tourism brings economic benefits, helping empower rural communities and providing women from more traditional backgrounds with the opportunity to gain independence through the skills they learn. Tourism can also help raise awareness about endangered species and the importance of preserving their natural habitats.
On the other hand, overtourism occurs when a destination is overwhelmed by too many visitors. While there are few regulations governing the growth of tourism in many areas, the number of visitors has been growing rapidly, often with little oversight or control. This creates more problems than benefits, and the causes are complex—stemming from both government policies and individual business decisions, such as artificially cheap flights or cruise packages that entice larger crowds.
Overtourism can have severe consequences. When local residents’ quality of life is compromised, when historical sites are overrun by crowds, or when the natural environment and wildlife are damaged by human activity, it’s clear that a destination is experiencing the negative effects of tourism. While local resistance to high visitor numbers is not new, the intensity of the protests—seen in places like Venice, Barcelona, and even Iceland—has brought the issue to the forefront of global discussion.
In the context of Mongolia, while we don’t face issues like cruise ships or mass international flights, there is still a version of overtourism. The biggest example is during Naadam, the Festival of the Three Manly Sports, when visitor numbers spike, and pressure is placed on local services and infrastructure. Despite this, tourism numbers in Mongolia remain relatively low compared to many other destinations. Still, the challenges of managing tourism growth, especially during peak periods, are significant.
While there’s a clear need for higher-level regulations, responsible tourism practices on a more personal level can help mitigate some of the negative effects of overtourism. As a small micro-business, we host around 100 guests a year. Despite our size, we’ve developed ways to ensure our impact on Mongolia is as positive and beneficial as possible.
Promoting Low-Season Travel
Mongolia has traditionally been seen as a summer destination, with the peak tourist season covering the three main months of June, July, and August. July, in particular, sees a surge in visitors for Naadam, and most tour operators focus their energy on maximizing their profits during this period.
However, we chose to take a different approach. We actively promote low-season travel, offering unique itineraries that showcase Mongolia’s culture, landscapes, and experiences throughout the year. This allows us to spread out tourism demand, reduce pressure on peak-season services, and help sustain local communities year-round.
As part of this philosophy, we offer a 15% discount for guests traveling during the low season. International flights are often cheaper and more flexible during these months, and with fewer tourists around, it allows for a more intimate experience of the country. In addition, encouraging travel outside the peak months helps provide income to rural Mongolians who otherwise struggle to make ends meet during the short summer season.
Don’t Just Do the Highlights
Mongolia is a vast and diverse country, far more than just the iconic sand dunes of the southern Gobi, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire, or the stunning Khovsgol Nuur National Park. While these destinations are undoubtedly beautiful, we don’t always focus on the “big-name” highlights.
Instead, we believe in visiting regions that are already home to local Mongolian communities. These areas have established “footprints” of human activity, so the impact of tourism is less intrusive. We aim to strike a balance between visiting popular sites and exploring lesser-known regions that showcase the diversity and cultural richness of Mongolia, all while respecting the fragility of these places. We carefully research and design our itineraries to promote destinations and experiences that might not be considered “best-sellers,” but which offer deep, authentic insights into Mongolian life.
Supporting Local Communities
At Eternal Landscapes (EL), we are a social enterprise, meaning that a portion of our profits goes directly back into Mongolia. We run a free weekly training and development school for Mongolian women who want to work in tourism, provide micro-loans to rural families with zero interest, and support community-based projects and accommodation providers.
By collaborating with local partners and businesses, we help bring more value to the communities we work with, both in urban areas and in the more remote regions. This network of local partnerships creates a more sustainable tourism model that not only benefits us but also directly supports the people and businesses that make Mongolia so unique.
Smaller Group Sizes for a More Sustainable Experience
One of the key ways we mitigate the impact of tourism is by keeping our group sizes small. With a maximum of six guests per tour, we offer a more intimate and responsible travel experience. Smaller groups reduce our environmental footprint and help foster deeper connections between guests and local communities. Our guests have the opportunity to experience Mongolian life in a way that is authentic and meaningful—rather than being just another face in the crowd.
Smaller groups also mean we make less of an impact on local infrastructure, homes, and businesses, and our guests can move through the landscape with more respect and awareness of their surroundings. We believe this approach is essential in avoiding the damaging effects of overtourism while still providing guests with an unforgettable experience.
A Call for Industry-Wide Change
Looking ahead, I believe that Mongolia could benefit from more regulation in the tourism sector, such as a yearly tax paid by all tour operators. This fund could be used to address the environmental impacts of tourism, such as trail erosion or waste disposal, and could help ensure that the beauty of Mongolia is preserved for generations to come.
However, until that becomes a reality, we must accept that tourist numbers will continue to rise, and overtourism is an issue that won’t simply disappear. That’s why at EL, we strive to be part of the solution, not the problem. By taking steps to reduce our impact and work responsibly, we hope to demonstrate that tourism can still be a force for good. Our goal is to ensure that local residents, wildlife, and habitats benefit from our presence, and while it won’t solve all the issues related to overtourism, it’s a step in the right direction.
In the end, responsible tourism is not just about minimizing harm, but maximizing the benefits—for both travelers and the communities they visit. And it’s through these efforts that we can all contribute to a more sustainable, thoughtful approach to exploring the world.
