ASEAN wants digital cooperation with Russia to improve tourism

CEBU CITY - Member states of the ASEAN want digital cooperation with Russia in a bid to boost tourism, an official from the Department of Tourism said Tuesday. 

This as senior tourism officials from ASEAN member states and the Russian Federation convened during the 16th Meeting of ASEAN - Russian Federation Tourism Consultation in Cebu City.

''As we look ahead to the ASEAN - Russia Federation Tourism work plan for 2026 and beyond, I hope we keep our discussions both visionary and practical,''  DOT Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso said in her remarks, noting that the two bodies can exchange good practices and digital transformation. 

''Let us pursue cooperation that strengthens traveler confidence and safety, supports workforce development and skills exchange and makes travel more seamless through increased connectivity,'' she added. 

Buensuceso said digital cooperation with the Russian Federation could help provide joint promotions to promote ASEAN member states to the global audience. 

''We value the Russian Federation as a longstanding partner of ASEAN in strengthening people to people exchanges,'' she said. 

The meeting with Russian officials seeks to address challenges and facilitate Russian tourist arrivals in the region, while advancing cooperation in the tourism sector.

In a separate interview, Buensuceso highlighted the importance of the tourism industry in the country's economy, noting the need to connect with other markets outside the region. 

''This is very important since to bring in tourists into ASEAN will mean that this will directly impact our economy,'' she said. —RF, GMA Integrated News