Manila: Russia is hoping to see further easing of entry policies in Southeast Asia as tourism in the region targets full recovery in the next five years. Speaking at the ASEAN Tourism Conference, Russian Ministry of Economic Development Deputy Director Igor Maksimov highlighted the need for immediate action on visa facilitation or liberalization as a key component for tourism growth.
According to Philippines News Agency, Maksimov emphasized Russia's eagerness to see a sustainable and resilient recovery of the tourism sector in ASEAN. Currently, Russians can enter other ASEAN states for a limited period under a visa upon arrival program in countries like Malaysia and Cambodia, but they are still required to obtain a visa for Singapore.
Maksimov pointed out that four years after the pandemic, the tourism flow between Russia and ASEAN states has already recovered by 93 percent, reaching more than two million visitors. He affirmed Russia's full support for the newly unveiled ASEAN Tourism Sectoral Plan (ATSP) for 2026 to 2030, aiming to align Russia's engagements with ASEAN through this roadmap.
The new ATSP focuses on facilitating accessible and seamless travel, with an emphasis on cross-sectoral collaboration among customs and immigration partners.
On a bilateral level, Tourism Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso expressed the Philippines' enthusiasm to welcome more Russian tourists. In an interview, she mentioned that Kalibo in Aklan province has been receiving chartered flights from Irkutsk and Khabarovsk since last year, noting a positive increase in the volume of arrivals.
Buensuceso further stated that if there is significant interest from Russian tourists, joint promotions would be supported to boost tourism influx.
The discussions with ranking tourism officials were a part of the three-day ASEAN Tourism Forum organized by the Philippines, which is serving as this year's ASEAN chair. During the 29th Tourism Ministerial Meeting, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco advocated for stronger regional tourism cooperation and increased investments in tourism projects.
