Russia has waved visas for Chinese citizens
Starting September 15, 2025, China introduced a trial visa-free regime for Russian citizens.

In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree granting visa-free entry to Russia for Chinese citizens. They will now be able to enter the country visa-free for 30 days until September 14, 2026. The document will come into force on…
https://russtd.com/russia-has-waved-visas-for-chinese-citizens.html

Thailand will set a historic record for Russian tourist flow by the end of 2025
The Moscow office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) released the latest tourist arrival statistics. According to these data, the growth in demand for Thailand, which began last month, continues.

In the first 11 months of 2025, Thailand welcomed 1,632,624 Russian citizens, an increase of 9.18% compared to the same period last year…
https://russtd.com/thailand-will-set-a-historic-record-for-russian-tourist-flow-by-the-end-of-2025.html

Kolkheti National Park is the winner of the World Travel Awards
Georgia's Kolkheti National Park has been named «Georgia's Leading National Park 2025» by the prestigious World Travel Awards. This recognition reinforces Kolkheti Park's importance as one of the country's most important natural symbols.

The park is located in western Georgia, between the Black Sea coast and the Colchis Lowland. It covers…
https://russtd.com/kolkheti-national-park-is-the-winner-of-the-world-travel-awards.html

The Philippines Is All Set To Host the 45th ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2026 in Mactan, Cebu
Cebu, Philippines, 21 November 2025 – The Philippines, host country of the 45th ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF), is set to take centre stage as it welcomes the global travel industry to Mactan, Cebu, for ATF 2026, happening from 27 January to 4 February 2026.

Bringing together a dynamic mix of ASEAN Tourism Ministers, National Tourism Organisations…
https://russtd.com/the-philippines-is-all-set-to-host-the-45th-asean-tourism-forum-(atf)-2026-in-mactan,-cebu.html

Mexico is planning to open direct flights from Russia
The Mexican Tourism Bureau is negotiating with two Russian airlines to resume direct flights between the two countries, the Mexican embassy in Moscow told RIA Novosti.

As Jorge González, head of the Mexican Association of UNESCO World Heritage Cities, noted, Russian tourists are welcome, not only on the beaches but also on excursion tours:…
https://russtd.com/mexico-is-planning-to-open-direct-flights-from-russia.html

Ski tours to Europe: visas and logistics
The demand for ski tours to Europe in the 2025/2026 season increased by 10-15% compared to the last year, according to major Russian tour operators. Italy, France, Austria and Switzerland are still the leaders in popularity.

The core of demand is formed by proven Alpine resorts: French Courchevel and Val d'Isere (Three Valleys region),…
https://russtd.com/ski-tours-to-europe-visas-and-logistics.html

A Norwegian low-cost airline will connect the capitals of Georgia and Denmark
Norwegian low-cost carrier Norwegian will begin operating direct scheduled flights on the Copenhagen-Tbilisi-Copenhagen route starting June 27, 2026, the Union of Georgian Airports announced.

According to the Union, for the first time in history, flights between the capitals of the Kingdom of Denmark and Georgia will operate twice a week.
https://russtd.com/a-norwegian-low-cost-airline-will-connect-the-capitals-of-georgia-and-denmark.html

Meet Global Mice Congress in Moscow welcomed participants from 35 countries
December 17-18, Moscow hosted the Meet Global MICE Congress (MGMC), the largest international business tourism event in Russia.

In 2025, MGMC was held for the third time and this year it met more than 2.5 thousand representatives of the industry, relevant departments, associations, corporate customers and organizers of business events from…
https://russtd.com/meet-global-mice-congress-in-moscow-welcomed-participants-from-35-countries.html

Jordan has introduced a visa-free regime with Russia
On December 13, 2025, the agreement between the governments of Russia and Jordan on the mutual abolition of visa requirements for citizens of the two countries, signed in Moscow on August 20, 2025, will enter into force.

According to the agreement, Russian citizens will be able to enter and stay in Jordan without visas for up to 30 days…
https://russtd.com/jordan-has-introduced-a-visa-free-regime-with-russia.html

Venezuela: What about Russian Tourists
Amid the escalating geopolitical situation in the region, the tour operator PEGAS Touristik suspended its flight program to Island Margarita in Venezuela on December 1till the end of February 2026. Tourists were offered tours to similarly rated hotels in Cuba. All of this company's clients were evacuated from the island in early December 2025.
https://russtd.com/venezuela-what-about-russian-tourists.html

Paradise Islands in the Center of Southeast Asia
The Philippine Islands, with more than seven thousand islands, have been recognized as the most beautiful tropical archipelago in the world. Pristine nature, mountain ranges, volcanoes and cliffs, underground rivers, hot springs, caves and lakes, skyscrapers and colonial houses in Manila, modern shopping malls, delicious exotic cuisine, discos, clubs,…
https://russtd.com/paradise-islands-in-the-center-of-southeast-asia.html

Cebu Welcomes ATF TRAVEX 2026 as ASEAN Tourism Gathers to Navigate the Future Together
As the host country of ATF 2026, the Philippines looks forward to welcoming delegates to Cebu and demonstrating its readiness to facilitate meaningful regional tourism exchanges, while strengthening connections across the ASEAN community.

A key highlight of ATF 2026 will be the National Tourism Organisation (NTO) briefings, scheduled for…
https://russtd.com/cebu-welcomes-atf-travex-2026-as-asean-tourism-gathers-to-navigate-the-future-together.html

Visa to India is Now Free for Russian Tourists
Starting from January 1, 2026, India abolished the consular fee for Russians to apply for a 30-day electronic tourist visa (e-Tourist Visa). Previously, the fee ranged from $10 to $ 25 and was paid only with a foreign bank card.

However, the e-Tourist Visa itself has not been waived: it must still be applied for online in advance, and processing…
https://russtd.com/visa-to-india-is-now-free-for-russian-tourists.html

Greenland: Do Russians Travel There?
Tourism makes approximately 10% of Greenland's exports, with fisheries accounting for the remaining 90%. Economic diversification has become a key priority for the government, which aims for tourism to account for 40% of exports by 2035.

The last detailed tourism report was published in 2024. It shows that the flow of international cruise…
https://russtd.com/greenland-do-russians-travel-there.html

Zambia: Direct flights to Russia
Zambian authorities are actively working to launch regular air service to Moscow. According to Zambian Tourism Minister Rodney Sikumba, direct flights could be launched within the next two to three years.

«Currently, most visitors use charter flights. But their number is limited, and we want to see regular commercial flights that will allow…
https://russtd.com/zambia-direct-flights-to-russia.html

The Russian Union of Travel Industry Announced the de facto Cessation of the Trips from Russia to the United States
The US State Department is suspending visa processing for citizens of Russia and 74 other countries pending a review of screening procedures. The decision will take effect on January 21 for an indefinite period. In addition to Russia, this list includes Somalia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Thailand, Yemen, and other countries.
https://russtd.com/the-russian-union-of-travel-industry-announced-the-de-facto-cessation-of-the-trips-from-russia-to-the-united-states.html

ATF TRAVEX 2026 Lands in the Philippines, Brings Asia to the World Cebu

The 45th ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) officially opened today in Cebu, Philippines.

More than 1,000 delegates are expected to participate in over 30 meetings, business sessions, educational forums, and networking events, including ATF TRAVEX, the forum’s flagship three-day travel trade exhibition. The event has also drawn strong media interest. Nearly 100 local and international media representatives as well as the key persons of Russian Travel Digest Mrs. Marina Zatsepina and Mrs. Natalia Klimenok attend to report on key developments, announcements, and trends shaping the ASEAN tourism sector.

Designed to maximize productivity and commercial outcomes, ATF TRAVEX 2026 enabled exhibitors and buyers to pre-schedule up to 100% of their business appointments ahead of arrival. It has attracted buyers across 50 countries and territories worldwide, including buyers from Russian Federation.

The theme of the 2026 ASEAN Tourism Forum, “Navigating Our Tourism Future, Together,” reflects the region’s collective commitment to collaboration and shared progress amid a rapidly evolving global landscape. It underscores the importance of regional cooperation, knowledge exchange, and inclusive partnerships in addressing emerging challenges and advancing sustainable tourism growth across ASEAN. The TRAVEX Opening Ceremony kicked off with vibrant Filipino cultural performances that warmly welcomed delegates. This was followed by an official walk-through of the exhibition hall led by senior government officials and ASEAN representatives, formally marking the opening of ATF TRAVEX 2026.

As host of ATF 2026, the Philippines proudly welcomes delegates to Cebu as a platform for meaningful dialogue, business exchange, and partnership building. Through a comprehensive programme of meetings, trade engagements, and networking events, ATF 2026 aims to strengthen connectivity, enhance destination competitiveness, and support a more inclusive and future-ready tourism sector for the region.

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ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) is a cooperative regional effort to promote the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region as one tourist destination. This annual event involves all the tourism industry sectors of the 11 ASEAN Member Nations: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam. Each year, the hosting of ATF is rotated among the member countries. The Philippines host host ATF 2026. ATF 2026 marks the 45th anniversary of this event since its inauguration in Malaysia in 1981.

Ecotourism in Kyrgyzstan: a Rising Star of the Tourism Industry
Kyrgyzstan is actively developing ecotourism, which aims to preserve the natural environment and attract tourists interested in close contact with nature. Ecotourism in the country combines mountaineering, trekking, hiking, cycling, horseback riding, and ethno-tourism, creating unique opportunities for travelers. Popular tourist routes also include…
https://russtd.com/ecotourism-in-kyrgyzstan-a-rising-star-of-the-tourism-industry.html