Let’s Travel! International Forum kicks off with 5,000 participants from Russia and over 50 countries

Deputy Prime Minister of the Government of the Russian Federation Dmitry Chernyshenko and Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation Maxim Reshetnikov moderated the plenary session ‘Time to Travel: A Kaleidoscope of Experiences Available to All’ at the 6th Let’s Travel! International Tourism Forum, which is taking place at the VDNH in Moscow on 10–14 June 2026. The Forum is being organized by the Roscongress Foundation jointly with the Ministry of Economic Development, with the support of the Russian Government and the Moscow Tourism Committee.

The plenary session opened with a video address to the Forum participants and guests from Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin. “It is paramount that we continue improving the quality of services. In this regard, it is up to you – those working in this sector – to determine how engaging and comfortable people’s travel experiences will be. I am certain that the regions will showcase the full diversity of our unique country and there will be a discussion about best practices and proposals for the industry’s development, so that even more tourists can discover the centuries-old history, distinctive culture, and traditions of Russia’s various peoples,” Mishustin said.

“More than 2,500 participants from every region of Russia will take part in the business programme of the 6th Let’s Travel International Tourism Forum, with a total of 5,000 participants attending the event. We have also welcomed guests from more than 50 foreign countries. China is participating in the Forum for the first time, and we are delighted to once again welcome representatives from Cuba, despite various challenges. Tourism erases boundaries, breaks down stereotypes, provides new experiences and emotions, and fosters broader horizons and personal growth. I firmly believe that an atmosphere of positivity, warmth, and Russian hospitality will prevail at the VDNH on 10–14 June. And, of course, it is important that tours will be offered at attractive prices, alongside hundreds of travel ideas that can be made a reality this year,” Chernyshenko said.

Chernyshenko also pointed out that the Forum is taking place during the Year of the Unity of the Peoples of Russia, which was declared by a decree from Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“It has been repeatedly stated today that tourism unites people and improves their quality of life. This means not only new hotels and roads, which are certainly important, but also the confidence that people can find everything they need for happiness right here in their own country. And our country has it all! ‘Time to Travel’ is not merely a slogan; it is our shared choice in favour of discoveries, experiences, and new meaning,” Chernyshenko said.

Reshetnikov said that the Russian tourism industry has become truly diverse today, with everything from weekend trips to neighbouring cities and tourist trains (where the transport itself becomes part of the journey) to short ‘recharge getaways’ within your own city, where you simply check into a hotel for a change of scenery.

“We have achieved huge results over the five years that we have been implementing the Tourism and Hospitality National Project. More than 9,000 hotel rooms and over 10,000 glamping sites have been added, with another 6,000 expected by the end of the year. But, the figures aren’t as important as the millions of tourist trips, new jobs, and, most importantly, the millions of vivid impressions, smiles, and emotions. Behind each of these achievements are tremendous efforts from the regions, businesses, and federal teams. Thank you to everyone who makes Russian tourism accessible, vibrant, and diverse. But there are even greater tasks ahead: using infrastructure more effective, improving the accessibility of destinations, and developing comprehensive tourism products: from ski resorts to guesthouses, and from national carriers to taxi drivers. This all depends on each of us,” Reshetnikov said.

The plenary session featured presentations by key representatives of the tourism industry. Nizhny Novgorod Region Governor Gleb Nikitin spoke about the development of tourist itineraries in small towns, while Russian Railways Deputy CEO Ivan Kolesnikov discussed the current outlook for rail tourism. Hyatt Hotel Chain Managing Director Svetlana Tyumentseva shared insight about how to create a hotel as a standalone tourism product, and KAVKAZ.RF Director General Andrey Yumshanov explained how ski resorts are developing in the Caucasus and how a comfortable tourism environment is being created for the entire region. Yandex.Verticals CEO Pavel Aleshin presented digital tools for promoting regional tourism products, while Altai Palace Group First Deputy CEO Dmitry Filyakov discussed the experience his company gained from expanding accommodation capacity at its Sibirskaya Moneta resort in Altai. Vodohod CEO Rishat Bagautdinov spoke about the growing popularity of river cruise tourism and how water-based travel is being transformed into a standalone tourism product. Guest travel blogger and entrepreneur Mark Eremin shared his views on how to promote regional tourism through modern media channels.

During the plenary session, audience members could ask the speakers questions via a QR code. The ones with the most interesting questions received gifts at the end of the session.

Chernyshenko and Reshetnikov presented badges for contributions to the development of tourism on behalf of the Ministry of Economic Development to industry representatives from various regions across the country. Recipients included Honorary President of the Russian Union of Travel Industry and Board Member of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs Sergey Shpilko; Central Council for Tourism and Recreation President Viktor Pugiev; Altaysky Zamok Health Resort landscaper Marina Poletaeva; Tourcentre Corporate Sales Manager Alina Afanasyeva; and Nizhny Novgorod Region Minister of Tourism and Crafts Sergey Yakovlev. InterContact-Service CEO Dmitry Shevchenko received a letter of gratitude from the Ministry of Economic Development.

Chernyshenko also addressed participants in the meeting of the Tourism Commission of the Russian State Council.

“The main topic of the meeting was inbound tourism. This is not only a vital economic priority, but also a soft power tool and a way to shape an objective image of Russia globally. We are seeing sustained interest in Russian destinations despite unprecedented external pressure. Over the past two years, inbound tourist traffic has increased by 50%. We have shifted our focus to new markets in the Middle East and Asia. From January and April of this year, 1.6 million foreign tourists visited Russia, an increase of almost 30% compared with the same period of last year,” he said.

The meeting participants examined three strategic focuses: transport connectivity and logistics; digitalization and visa facilitation; and the creation of package tourism products. In terms of domestic destinations, Chernyshenko called for paying special attention to the Far East and Siberia, as well as the country’s traditional tourism hubs.

Chernyshenko also noted that Russia’s launch of an e-visa system has been a major step that many countries appreciate. Russia continues to expand visa-free travel arrangements with key partners. China, Oman, and Saudi Arabia were added last year, and Indonesia, Malaysia, and Kuwait are next in line. Chernyshenko said the country remains committed to assisting businesses in implementing clear, high-quality programmes that aim to introduce visitors to Russia’s unique natural landscapes, culture, and historical heritage. In addition, the government is ready to provide support to foreign entrepreneurs investing in high-quality inbound tourism infrastructure. There has also been talk of developing cross-border routes: during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum 2026, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev proposed establishing a creativity tourism corridor linking Samarkand and St. Petersburg. Chernyshenko also said there is great potential for implementing similar projects with China, Belarus, and other friendly nations.

The commission meeting was attended by Primorsky Territory Governor and Commission Chairman Oleg Kozhemyako, Khabarovsk Territory Governor and Chairman of the Commission’s Tourist Safety and Rights Protection Subgroup Dmitry Demeshin, Chukotka Autonomous District Governor and Chairman of the Commission’s Transport in the Tourism Industry Subgroup Vladislav Kuznetsov, Oryol Region Governor and Chairman of the Commission’s Ecotourism Development Working Group Andrey Klychkov, Deputy Minister of Economic Development Dmitry Vakhrukov, as well as heads of other regions and representatives of ministries, agencies, and specialized institutions.