PHL backs stronger ASEAN–Russia tourism cooperation

The Philippines has a line-up of initiatives supporting the long-term growth of tourism, including expanded air access, language training for tourism workers, and new study-based travel offerings, according to Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco during the 5^th meeting of ASEAN–Russian Federation Tourism Ministers.

The tourism chief said the Philippines’ approach reflects the need to rebuild traveler confidence through reliable connectivity, clear information, consistent standards and skilled human capital capable of delivering world-class visitor experiences.

“We are pursuing concrete initiatives that reflect this approach,” Frasco said, citing chartered flights providing direct access to Kalibo for Russian visitors, expanded destination options, and Russian-language training for tour guides to improve service quality and visitor engagement.

In October last year, charter flights by Iraero Airlines flew visitors from Russian cities like Irkutsk and Khabarovsk to Kalibo in the Philippines.

Frasco added that the Philippines is also developing study programs as a travel product, responding to the growing interest among Russian tourists in experiences that combine leisure with practical learning.

Frasco described tourism as a form of people-to-people diplomacy, noting that travel sustains livelihoods and builds trust through human encounters.

“When visitors are welcomed with dignity and return home with respect for the places and people they met, tourism becomes a steady form of people-to-people diplomacy,” she said.

She emphasized that ASEAN and the Russian Federation share significant opportunities for cooperation, but said the lessons of recent years underscore the need to build confidence in travel systems to ensure tourism can rebound and flourish.

Frasco said discussions on the ASEAN–Russian Federation Tourism Work Plan for 2026 and beyond will focus on sustainable tourism, digital transformation, innovation, stronger capacity building and knowledge exchange, and joint promotion to present destinations more coherently and with greater impact.

Frasco said the goal is to advance tourism that is resilient, inclusive, and anchored on long-term value for the region.

Nikita Kondratyev, director general of the Department for Multilateral Economic Cooperation and Special Projects of the Russian Federation, thanked the Philippines for hosting the meeting. He noted that ASEAN–Russia relations mark their 35^thanniversary, while diplomatic ties between Russia and the Philippines reached five decades.

The Russian delegation said the initiatives under the ASEAN–Russian Federation Tourism Work Plan for 2026–2030 would provide more accessible and seamless travel, particularly given the popularity of ASEAN destinations among Russian tourists.

Both sides agreed to continue discussions aimed at strengthening cooperation and enhancing tourism development across the region.