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.

Embassy of Sri Lanka
Moscow

22 June 2026