Thursday, June 12, 2025
Myanmar has taken a significant step in strengthening its tourism relations with Russia, unveiling a dynamic new approach to tourism diplomacy at Moscow’s prestigious International Travel Forum. Led by Union Minister for Hotels and Tourism, U Kyaw Soe Win, the Myanmar delegation actively engaged with Russian officials, tourism experts, and business leaders to forge stronger bilateral ties. The event underscored Myanmar’s commitment to enhancing its global tourism footprint, showcasing the country as an emerging destination for Russian travelers, while also exploring opportunities for deeper cooperation between the two nations in the travel and hospitality sectors.
Myanmar Strengthens Tourism Ties with Russia at Fifth International Travel Forum in Moscow
A high-profile delegation from Myanmar, led by Union Minister for Hotels and Tourism U Kyaw Soe Win, attended the prestigious Fifth International Travel Forum, “Let’s Travel!”, held at VDNH (Vystavka Dostizheniy Narodnogo Khozyaystva) in Moscow from June 10 to 15, 2025. This significant event, widely recognized as a hub for global tourism exchange, brought together key figures from the tourism and hospitality industries to discuss the future of international travel, particularly in light of changing global dynamics.
The forum’s opening ceremony set the tone for meaningful discussions with a keynote presentation titled “Discovering Russia: How Travel Is Transforming the Nation.” The focus was on Russia’s evolving role in the global tourism landscape, showcasing how the country’s travel sector is adapting to meet new demands and trends. This was followed by powerful messages from Russian officials, with Dmitry Chernyshenko, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, delivering a speech on behalf of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin also joined the event through a video message, extending his support for the forum’s goal of fostering international cooperation within the tourism industry.
Over the course of the forum, a series of enriching discussions took place, featuring government representatives, entrepreneurs, hoteliers, and other experts from the tourism and restaurant sectors. These discussions revolved around the global tourism industry’s shifting economic landscape and the role of destination marketing in driving growth. Key topics included sustainable tourism practices, emerging travel markets, and innovative approaches to revitalizing the hospitality sector in the wake of recent global disruptions.
One of the most notable events during the forum was the meeting held on June 10 between the Myanmar delegation and Maxim Reshetnikov, Russia’s Minister of Economic Development. This high-level meeting focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in the tourism and hospitality sectors. The talks included discussions on several promising initiatives, such as the introduction of Familiarization Trips (FAM Trips) for Russian tour operators to Myanmar. These trips would provide firsthand experiences of Myanmar’s rich cultural and natural heritage, encouraging them to promote the destination to Russian tourists.
Another key point of the meeting was the potential for establishing visa-free travel between Myanmar and Russia. If implemented, this policy would significantly ease travel between the two nations, making it more accessible for Russian travelers to visit Myanmar’s historic cities, stunning beaches, and UNESCO World Heritage sites. The establishment of a joint travel expo was also discussed, where both countries could showcase their tourism offerings and attract a greater number of international visitors.
Additionally, there were discussions around the possibility of Russian government employees visiting Myanmar during extended holidays, which could create a new segment of Russian leisure travelers. This would not only strengthen people-to-people ties but also boost Myanmar’s tourism industry by introducing a new wave of Russian tourists eager to explore the country’s rich culture and history.
The Myanmar delegation also discussed the growing investment opportunities in Myanmar’s hospitality and tourism sectors. Both public and private sector representatives emphasized the country’s potential for development in areas such as eco-tourism, beach resorts, and luxury tourism. Myanmar’s Minister of Hotels and Tourism stressed the importance of fostering partnerships with Russian investors, especially in hotel construction, resort development, and infrastructure improvements.
A significant part of the Myanmar delegation’s participation was centered around their efforts to drive future growth in the sector through the support of pilot tourism projects. By initiating small-scale tourism initiatives and public-private collaborations, Myanmar aims to build sustainable tourism models that can be scaled for larger, more diverse global markets. These projects would also help Myanmar enhance its tourism infrastructure, ensuring that the country is well-positioned to handle increasing numbers of international visitors in the coming years.
During the forum, U Kyaw Soe Win also engaged in discussions with representatives from Cosmos Hotel Group and BN Group. These meetings were pivotal in exploring synergies between Myanmar’s tourism offerings and international hospitality brands. Both Cosmos and BN Group are known for their expertise in managing luxury hotels and resorts, and their interest in Myanmar presents an exciting opportunity for the country’s burgeoning tourism sector.
Myanmar’s diverse array of tourist destinations, from its picturesque beaches along the Bay of Bengal to its cultural landmarks like the ancient city of Bagan, was showcased throughout the forum. The Union Minister emphasized Myanmar’s appeal as an untapped destination for Russian travelers, with a particular focus on the serene beauty of destinations such as Ngapali Beach and Inle Lake. These areas are ripe for investment and development, with the potential to cater to both adventure-seeking travelers and those looking for a more laid-back, nature-focused experience.
At Moscow’s International Travel Forum, Myanmar made a powerful move to bolster its tourism diplomacy with Russia, strengthening bilateral ties. Led by Union Minister U Kyaw Soe Win, the delegation engaged with Russian officials and tourism leaders to explore new opportunities for cooperation and attract Russian visitors to Myanmar’s growing tourism sector.
In conclusion, Myanmar’s participation in the Fifth International Travel Forum marked a significant step in its efforts to boost tourism and attract international investment. By strengthening ties with Russia, exploring new travel policies, and engaging with global hospitality leaders, Myanmar is positioning itself as an emerging destination for global travelers. With a focus on sustainability, cultural immersion, and tailored travel experiences, the country looks set to welcome more visitors in the years ahead, offering them a unique opportunity to explore one of Southeast Asia’s most fascinating and diverse countries.
