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

February 2026: where the Russians are Vacationing
The February tourist flow continues to show a trend towards geographical diversification, which began in January. Based on data from the tour aggregator Sletat.ru the picture of sales and search interest of tourists for February 2026 included in the top ten:

Egypt – 26.5% of all sold tour packages
Thailand – 21.3%
UAE – 14.4%
https://russtd.com/february-2026-where-the-russians-are-vacationing.html

From Russia to China in 2.5 Minutes and 40 USD
The cross-border cable car is being built within the framework of an intergovernmental agreement between the Russian Federation and China, concluded in September 2015. The symbolic start of the project was given in July 2019. It will connect Blagoveshchensk in Russia and Heihe in China, and is scheduled to open in August 2026.
The highway…
https://russtd.com/from-russia-to-china-in-2.5-minutes-and-40-usd.html

Cebu the Island with the History, Traditions and Smiles
As part of the ASEAN TOURISM FORUM (ATF) 2026, a pre-tour «A Heritage Tour of Cebu» was organized for guests and media representatives on January 27. Natalia Klimenok from Russian Travel Digest shared her impressions of the…
https://russtd.com/cebu-the-island-with-the-history,-traditions-and-smiles.html

ITB China Officially Announces Georgia as Partner Destination for 2026
Georgia has been appointed Official Partner Destination of ITB China 2026, taking place from 26–28 May 2026 in Shanghai, underscoring its strategic focus on the Chinese outbound travel market and a new phase of cooperation in destination promotion, industry exchange, and business matchmaking.

As a leading B2B travel trade platform dedicated…
https://russtd.com/itb-china-officially-announces-georgia-as-partner-destination-for-2026.html

Uzbekistan plans to welcome 12 million foreign tourists in 2026
Uzbekistan expects to welcome 12 million foreign tourists in 2026. This was announced by Mr. Abrorhuja Munovarov, Head of the Investment Department of the Tourism Committee, at the 7th Hotel Business Forum 2026, which was held in Tashkent on February 13 - 14.

According to him, 1023 new accommodation facilities have been opened in the regions…
https://russtd.com/uzbekistan-plans-to-welcome-12-million-foreign-tourists-in-2026.html

Russian Union of Travel Industry: France, Italy, and Spain Remain the Leaders in Visa Issuance to Russians
Experts from the Russian Union of Travel Industry (RUTI) estimate the number of visa applications submitted by Russians in 2025 at 620 000 – 670 000, and the number of visas issued at 540 000 – 570 000. France, Italy, and Spain remain the leaders in the number of Schengen visas issued to Russians, but the share of multiple-entry visas has fallen…
https://russtd.com/russian-union-of-travel-industry-france,-italy,-and-spain-remain-the-leaders-in-visa-issuance-to-russians.html

Russia Plans to Simplify Visa Regulations with Four African Countries
Russians' interest in exploring the African continent continues to grow, according to travel industry experts. On average, the tourist flow increases by one and a half to two times annually, some travelers become regular buyers of tours.
Currently, Russians can visit 11 African countries visa-free. Russians can stay in Morocco, Namibia, Tunisia,…
https://russtd.com/russia-plans-to-simplify-visa-regulations-with-four-african-countries.html