ULAN BATOR, May 10 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia has declared 2018 as tourism year when it will promote green-eco tourism, the Ministry of Environment said Thursday.

The ministry signed a memorandum of understanding with Mongolian Tourism Association and Mongolian Culinary Federation to standardize services in the tourism sector.

Green-eco tourism will be promoted and service in restaurants and tourist camps improved. Specific rules and regulations will be developed for nature travelers.

In the first quarter of 2018, Mongolia saw 705,000 foreign tourists, up 11 percent from the same period last year, according to the National Statistical Office of Mongolia.