Deputy Minister of Tourism of Sri Lanka, Ruwan Ranasinghe successfully concluded a productive visit to the “Let’s Travel!” International Tourism Forum organized by the Roscongress and 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.
During the event, the Deputy Minister 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 and more accessible global travel.
Further enhancing bilateral relations, the Deputy Minister Ranasinghe met with Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, Reshetnikov Maxim 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 focused on advancing tourism cooperation, increasing mutual visitor flows, and exploring joint initiatives in cultural promotion and investment.
Throughout the fair, the Deputy Minister actively promoted Sri Lanka as a premier travel destination with interviews given to Russia Today (RT), Komsomolskaya Pravda, and Ria News, the prominent media of the Russian Federation. The delegation engaged in constructive 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 visit to the "Let’s Travel!" the 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.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Moscow
18 June 2025
