Cebu city: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), under the leadership of the Philippines, is striving to maintain and enhance practical collaboration with Russia to promote seamless travel and tourism growth in the region.
According to Philippines News Agency, at the 16th ASEAN-Russia Tourism Consultation, Tourism Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso highlighted ASEAN's goal to develop an inclusive and resilient tourism sector. She emphasized the importance of the Russian Federation as a long-standing partner in strengthening people-to-people exchanges, grounded in shared aspirations such as resilient tourism, inclusive opportunities, respect for culture, and international understanding.
Buensuceso outlined ASEAN's commitment to pursuing cooperation that boosts traveler confidence and safety, supports workforce development, and enhances connectivity for more accessible travel. She also suggested further collaboration through digital marketing and the sharing of travel-related data and best practices.
Russian Ministry of Economic Development Deputy Director Igor Maksimov, the meeting's co-chair, expressed optimism about the full recovery of two-way tourism. Maksimov noted that four years after the pandemic, tourism flow between Russia and ASEAN states has recovered by 93 percent, with the figure continuing to grow. He mentioned the adoption of a new joint work plan until 2030 as a positive step towards developing a commercially beneficial partnership.
The meeting was a part of the week-long ASEAN-related discussions taking place in Cebu City, conducted under the Philippine chairship.
