Sri Lanka Strengthens Tourism Cooperation with Russia at the VI International Tourism Forum “Let’s Travel! 2026”

In strengthening cooperation in the tourism sector, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Prof. Ruwan  Ranasinghe participated in the VI International Tourism Forum “Let’s Travel! 2026,” from 10– 12 June 2026 in Moscow along with an official and business delegation. 

The Deputy Minister held a number of high-level bilateral meetings aimed at enhancing tourism  cooperation and increasing tourist arrivals from Russia to Sri Lanka. He met Deputy Minister of  Economic Development of the Russian Federation, Dmitry Vakhrukov. Their discussions focused  on strengthening tourism ties, improving connectivity, and identifying new avenues of  cooperation between the two countries. 

Both parties agreed also to conclude a Memorandum of Understanding on Tourism Cooperation  to further institutionalize bilateral tourism relations. Parties also agreed to facilitate familiarization  (FAM) tours for Russian tour operators and travel agents in the premium sector, media personnel,  and influencers during 2026 and 2027 to enhance destination awareness and stimulate demand  for Sri Lanka in the Russian market. 

The Deputy Minister also met Deputy Governor of the Sverdlovsk Region, Dmitry Ionin and  Deputy Chairman of the Tourism Committee of St. Petersburg, Gvichiya Nana Margushevna.  Discussions focused on strengthening regional tourism cooperation and expanding tourism  exchanges with key Russian regions that contribute significantly to outbound tourism to Sri  Lanka. 

As part of the Forum's official programme, Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe participated as a panelist in  two high-level sessions titled “Russia–Asia Session: Direct Flights, Simplified Visas and What  This Means for the Industry” and “Tourism of International Importance: The Strategic Potential  of International Cooperation.” Addressing the participants, the Deputy Minister highlighted Sri  Lanka's recently introduced 30-day free visa scheme for Russian nationals as an additional  incentive for Russian travelers planning their upcoming winter holidays. He further emphasized  the critical importance of direct air connectivity in promoting tourism growth and expressed  appreciation to Aeroflot and Red Wings Airlines for their continued commitment to operating  direct flights between Russia and Sri Lanka and underscored the role of tourism as a driver of  economic growth, intercultural understanding and international cooperation. 

In addition, the Deputy Minister was also interviewed by TASS and Sputnik, two prominent  national media houses, where he highlighted the government policy directions to overcome the  regulatory barriers in the tourism sector to attract more Russian tourists to Sri Lanka. 

The Forum served as a valuable platform for promoting Sri Lanka's tourism prospects and  fostering enhanced cooperation in the tourism sector between Sri Lanka and the Russian  Federation and positioning Sri Lanka as an “All year round destination” for the Russian visitors.