The Philippines is implementing targeted measures to attract more Russian tourists, focusing on direct flights, Russian-language guide training, and educational travel experiences.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco highlighted the initiatives during the 5th Meeting of ASEAN Plus Russian Federation Tourism Ministers on Friday, Jan. 30, at Nustar Resort and Casino.
“From chartered flights with direct access to Kalibo, welcoming our Russian visitors and widening options for our destinations, to language training in Russian for tour guides, and developing study programs combining leisure with practical learning, we are responding to what many Russian tourists increasingly seek,” Frasco said.
Frasco emphasized that these measures aim to rebuild traveler confidence through reliable connectivity, clear information, consistent standards, and skilled personnel capable of delivering world-class visitor experiences.
Direct flights via Iraero Airlines have already been transporting visitors from Russian cities such as Irkutsk and Khabarovsk to Kalibo since October. The Philippines is also developing study programs as a travel product, catering to Russian tourists who are increasingly interested in experiences that combine leisure with practical learning.
Frasco noted that tourism serves as a form of people-to-people diplomacy, fostering respect and understanding between visitors and local communities.
According to Frasco, ASEAN and the Russian Federation share significant opportunities for cooperation, but recent years have underscored the need to build confidence in travel systems to ensure tourism can recover and thrive.
The meeting also included discussions on the ASEAN-Russian Federation Tourism Work Plan for 2026 and beyond, focusing on sustainable tourism, digital transformation, innovation, stronger capacity building, knowledge exchange, and joint promotion of destinations.
“The Philippines encourages a candid and constructive exchange focused on concrete deliverables for our peoples,” Frasco said.
Nikita Kondratyev, director general of the Department for Multilateral Economic Cooperation and Special Projects of the Russian Federation, expressed gratitude to the Philippines for hosting the meeting and assured support for finalizing the ASEAN-Russian Federation Tourism Work Plan for 2026-2030.
Kondratyev added that the plan’s initiatives would enhance accessible and seamless travel, taking into account the popularity of ASEAN destinations among Russian tourists.
“Actions under this plan will contribute to providing an accessible and seamless travel experience,” Kondratyev said.
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