“Let’s Travel!” International tourism forum organized by the Roscongress was held in Moscow from 10 – 15 June 2025. The visit marked a significant step in strengthening Sri Lanka’s tourism ties with Russia and expanding cross-border tourism opportunities.
The delegation, headed by Deputy Minister of Tourism, Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe engaged in meetings with leading Russian tour operators, Russian national carrier Aeroflot key players in the hospitality sector, such as Anex Tour, Fun & Sun and the President of the International Center of Wine and Gastronomy, Leonid Gelibterman, focusing on creating tailored travel experiences and promoting Sri Lanka’s unique cultural, culinary, and natural attractions.
The Sri Lanka delegation’s visit to the “Let’s Travel!” International Tourism Fair formed a key part of Sri Lanka’s broader strategy to strengthen international tourism networks, attract new visitor segments, and encourage sustained growth in the sector.
“The Russian market holds significant and diverse potential for Sri Lanka’s tourism sector,”. “Our meetings in Moscow paved the way for stronger partnerships and created valuable opportunities to position Sri Lanka more prominently among Russian travelers as a year-round destination based on authentic experiences” said Deputy Minister of Tourism Ruwan Ranasinghe.
During the event, the Deputy Minister Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe participated in high-level panel discussions focused on removing regulatory barriers and improving cross-border tourism. These sessions brought together international tourism leaders to address challenges and propose solutions to facilitate smoother, more accessible global travel.
Prof Ranasinghe met also with Reshetnikov Maxim, Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation during the Forum and held bilateral meetings with senior officials of Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development, headed by the Director of the Department of Multilateral Economic Cooperation and Special Projects of the Ministry, Kondratyev Nikita, Deputy Minister Moscow Government (Foreign Economic and International Relations)Vyacheslav Manuylov, President of the Russian Union of Travel Industry, Umanskiy Ilya, President of the Association of Tour operators of Russia, Maya Lomidze, and the President of the CCI Russia, Katyrin Sergey.
Discussions centered on advancing tourism cooperation, increasing mutual visitor flows, and exploring joint initiatives in cultural promotion and investment. The Minister also participated in media interviews with Russia Today (RT), Komsomolskaya Pravda, and Ria News, the prominent media of the Russian Federation.
