The 3rd ASEAN-Russian Federation Tourism Ministers’ Meeting focuses on enhancing cultural and tourism exchanges, with initiatives for increased cooperation, visa policy improvements, and diverse promotional activities to boost visitor engagement.
The 3rd Meeting of ASEAN-Russian Federation Tourism Ministers, held during the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2024 on January 26th, marked a significant step in strengthening tourism and cultural cooperation between ASEAN countries and the Russian Federation. Chaired by Mr. Nguyen Trung Khanh, Chairman of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT), the meeting represented a concerted effort to enhance visitor exchanges and mutual understanding.
VNAT’s Chairman Nguyen Trung Khanh leads the Vietnamese delegation to attend the Meeting (Photo: TITC)
Key Areas of Cooperation
Under the ASEAN-Russia Tourism Work Plan 2022-2024, both regions are actively engaging in five major areas:
Tourism Promotion Cooperation: A concerted effort to market and promote tourist destinations.
Capacity Building Programs: Initiatives to enhance ASEAN-Russia tourism capabilities.
Tourism Security and Safety: Ensuring safe travel experiences.
Travel Facilitation: Streamlining travel processes between ASEAN and Russia.
Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism: Promoting responsible tourism practices.
VNAT’s Chairman Nguyen Trung Khanh speaking at the Meeting (Photo: TITC)
New Initiatives and Policy Changes
The Meeting introduced the ‘Explore’ project to promote thematic linkages and ‘new’ destinations in ASEAN and Russia. This initiative aims to diversify tourism offerings and showcase less explored locations.
Notably, Vietnam has implemented a new visa policy since August 2023, extending visa exemptions for Russian tourists to 45 days and up to 90 days for e-visa applicants. This policy is expected to significantly boost Russian tourist arrivals in Vietnam and ASEAN.
ASEAN strengthens cooperation in cultural and tourism exchanges, increasing visitor exchange with the Russian Federation (Photo: TITC)
Proposals for Diversification
Mr. Nguyen Trung Khanh stressed the need for more diverse and regular tourism cooperation activities between ASEAN and Russia. His suggestions included organizing cultural-tourism festivals, conferences, and cultural exchange programs beyond the current focus on Russian language training courses.
Increasing ASEAN Presence in Russia
VNAT’s Chairman also proposed greater ASEAN participation in major Russian tourism events and the promotion of ASEAN tourism through Russian media channels. This would include creating Russian-language content and video clips to more effectively reach Russian audiences.
Visitor Arrivals and Future Prospects
Despite pandemic challenges, Southeast Asia remains a preferred destination for Russian tourists. Statistics show a significant number of Russian visitors to ASEAN Member States and a growing interest from ASEAN tourists in Russia.
The Meeting supported a new project proposal aimed at expanding business contacts through Russian language training and experience exchange for tourism professionals. This project is designed to enhance professional skills and foster business cooperation between Russian and ASEAN tourism enterprises.
Russian Federation tourism delegation at the Meeting (Photo: TITC)
The 3rd ASEAN-Russian Federation Tourism Ministers’ Meeting has laid a solid foundation for future growth and cooperation in the tourism sector. The initiatives and proposals discussed aim to create a more dynamic, diverse, and mutually beneficial relationship between ASEAN and Russia in the realm of tourism and cultural exchange. With these developments, both regions are set to experience a significant boost in tourism activities and cultural understanding.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
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