Travel

Chinese Tourists Ready for Visa-free Travel to Russia

Published

12 hours ago

December 7, 2025

Samuel Dorsi, Samuel.Dorsi@tourism-review.com

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree that is going to significantly change how people travel between the two nations. On December 1, 2025, he officially granted Chinese tourists visa-free entry to Russia for stays of up to 30 days.

The policy kicks in immediately and runs through September 14, 2026. It covers everything from tourism and business trips to family visits and sporting events, all without the headache of visa applications. This move mirrors China’s own visa-free trial for Russians that started in September, showing just how much the relationship between these global powers is deepening.

Naturally, the announcement has sparked a lot of excitement in China’s outbound travel market. With winter holidays just around the corner, inquiries and bookings are skyrocketing. This is much more than just a bureaucratic update; it is expected to bring billions into Russia’s tourism sector by highlighting the country’s affordable winter escapes and incredible natural scenery.

A Boom in Bookings: Data Tells the Tale

The enthusiasm is not just a feeling; the numbers back it up. According to Qunar, a top online travel platform in China, air ticket bookings to Russia for the upcoming winter vacation have jumped nearly 1.5 times since the visa-free policy was revealed. That growth is outpacing other major international destinations. The broader trends look just as good. In 2024, passenger traffic on routes between China and Russia jumped 38% compared to the year before, and revenues climbed right along with it.

This is not just isolated hype, either. Aeroflot, Russia’s flagship airline, reported that passenger numbers to China nearly tripled in 2024 alone, reaching 830,000 travelers. Now, that trend is flipping northward with just as much energy. As the Spring Festival gets closer, experts are warning about a scramble for premium spots. Aurora viewing tours in Murmansk and blue ice expeditions in remote polar regions are already seeing shortages in hotels and specialty accommodations. A travel analyst from Kanghui Tours in Guangzhou urged travelers to book now or risk missing out, emphasizing how important it is to secure plans while the demand is rising.

Why Russia? Cost, Culture, and Cosmic Lights

So, what makes Russia such a draw under these new rules? It really comes down to a powerful mix of affordability and authenticity, especially during the winter months.

For snow lovers, Russia offers an exotic feel without the high price tag. A trip to see Siberian landscapes or the festive lights in Moscow offers a deep cultural dive alongside perfect winter scenes, often for a fraction of the cost of European or North American alternatives. Tourists get a lot more value for their money, enjoying grand architecture and endless snowscapes.

Then there is the appeal of the Northern Lights. Russia’s position in the Arctic makes it a world-class spot for the aurora. Murmansk offers reliable sightings and accessible viewing spots, providing a reasonably priced gateway to the phenomenon. Unlike pricier options in Scandinavia, travelers here can chase those ethereal greens and purples without emptying their savings, blending adventure with luxury in ice hotels and dog sled treks.

Shifting consumer tastes are only making these draws stronger. Gone are the days of basic sightseeing. Today, Chinese travelers are looking for high-quality, thematic experiences. They want immersive cultural exchanges, eco adventures, or wellness retreats in the taiga. The visa-free policy lowers the barriers, allowing for more spontaneity.

Industry Voices: A 30%+ Tourist Tidal Wave

Optimism is running high across the industry. Maya Lomidze, executive director of the Russian Association of Travel Agencies, forecasts at least a 30% increase in Chinese visitors. She sees hotspots emerging in border regions and the Far East, which are perfect for day trips and cultural visits. Alexander Musikhin, vice president for inbound tourism at the Association of Tour Operators of Russia, expects summer surges of 30 to 40% thanks to this new ease of travel. The Russian Ministry of Economic Development is on the same page with this optimistic outlook. With visa hurdles out of the way, we are looking at a potential 2 million Chinese tourists arriving by 2026, which would solidify China as Russia’s top inbound market. Nikita Kondratyev from the ministry pointed out that China is already in the lead for tourist numbers, but this policy is going to really accelerate things. For Russia’s tourism industry, which has been starved for a recovery since the pandemic, this is huge. As one insider put it, it is “long-awaited good news” that brings hope for hotels, guides, and local economies.

Still, Lomidze makes a good point amidst the excitement. We need to focus on the practical side too. It is about strengthening infrastructure, raising service standards, and actually tailoring what is on offer to fit Chinese preferences. From multilingual apps to halal-friendly dining in Muslim-majority areas, these small adjustments could make a massive difference in visitor flow.

Beyond Tourism

It is not just about tourism, though. This goes deeper than selfies under the aurora. The decree opens the door for all kinds of exchanges. Business travelers can scout opportunities in energy and tech, while academics and athletes can collaborate without the usual paperwork headaches. It even makes things smoother for travelers just passing through to Europe or the Arctic.

As the December chill sets in, Russia has put out the welcome mat. For Chinese adventurers eyeing a stress-free escape, the timing could not be better. Will you be among the first to take that visa-free trip? With bookings filling up fast, the window of opportunity is moving quickly.

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Travel

Tanzania Tourism Protection Model Other African Destinations Should Follow

Published

14 hours ago

December 7, 2025

Juergen T Steinmetz

Tanzania is setting a new standard for tourism safety in Africa through its TTSSP agency, which protects travelers from booking to departure. As scams affect visitors across the continent, TTSSP offers verification, oversight, and rapid support—making Tanzania a leader in secure, reliable, and trustworthy safari travel experiences.

Across Africa, tourism continues its strong rise as travelers seek extraordinary wildlife encounters, cultural richness, and stunning natural landscapes. But for many potential visitors, questions of safety and trust begin long before stepping onto the continent. The moment a traveler books a safari or tour often becomes the first test of confidence—especially when payments must be sent to companies they have never met.

Many travelers feel more secure booking through large international agencies. Yet this can distance them from the deeply personal, community-centered experiences created by local tour operators. These smaller companies often keep tourism revenues within families and rural regions, contributing directly to the economic health of the destination. But without a reliable way to verify their legitimacy, travelers remain cautious. Sadly, some tourists discover too late that the operator they paid never delivered the promised services, leaving them stranded on arrival.

Tanzania Emerges as Africa’s Leader in Tourist Safety

While such challenges appear across the continent, Tanzania has taken a proactive and pioneering approach. Going beyond the services a national tourism board provides, the country established the Tanzania Tourism Sector Safety and Protection (TTSSP) agency—a dedicated body focused entirely on safeguarding travelers, elevating service standards, and protecting the integrity of Tanzania’s tourism industry.

TTSSP represents one of the most advanced and structured tourism safety mechanisms on the African continent. Its creation demonstrates Tanzania’s commitment not only to welcoming travelers but also to doing so with accountability, transparency, and rapid-response systems.

In speaking with eTN, TTSSP addressed a recent case in which a traveler booked through a foreign African tour company whose Tanzanian ground operator was never paid. Unable to provide full service, the operator left the visitor with an incomplete experience—an outcome TTSSP aims to prevent entirely.

A TTSSP official emphasized:

“Travelers booking through fully licensed Tanzanian operators can rely on TTSSP for support. We encourage all visitors and international agents to verify licenses and check complaint records with us before sending any funds.”

Such proactive guidance is part of what makes TTSSP stand out. The agency operates not only as a regulator, but as a partner for visitors worldwide—available before, during, and after a trip. This level of accessibility and oversight is rare in many destinations and positions Tanzania at the forefront of traveler safety in Africa.

A Model Other African Nations May Follow

African Tourism Board Global – African Tourism Board

Top travel promotions in Africa. Endorsed by World Tourism Network’s approved travel partner members.

Tourism experts note that TTSSP’s approach could reshape how African destinations protect travelers.

By combining regulation, licensing enforcement, traveler support services, and on-the-ground tourism police, Tanzania has created a system in which safety does not begin at the airport—it begins at the moment a traveler decides to book a trip.

An African Tourism Board expert reinforced this perspective, adding that many countries could greatly benefit from adopting similar structures to reduce fraud, streamline complaint handling, and ensure visitors always have a government-backed resource to turn to.

He also noted that travelers paying by credit card enjoy stronger protections, particularly in North America and Europe, and encouraged quick online research via platforms like TripAdvisor and Google in destinations where government oversight is limited.

TTSSP Issues a Message of Assurance

To reaffirm its leadership role, TTSSP released the following statement to the global travel community:

Tourism Sector Safety and Protection (TTSSP) – Official Tanzania Tourism Website

The Tanzania Tourism Sector Safety and Protection (TTSSP) plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of tourists visiting the country. They provide a range of services to achieve this goal: Rights of Tourists: TTSSP works to protect and manage the rights of tourists in Tanzania, ensuring they have a positive and secure

“Dear International Tourism Stakeholders, Tourists, and Visitors,

TTSSP warmly welcomes you as you consider a journey into the heart of Africa. Tanzania offers extraordinary landscapes, vibrant cultures, and world-class wildlife—an unmatched setting for life-changing experiences.

We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to your safety and protection. Our mission is to safeguard every traveler’s well-being, comfort, and satisfaction, while supporting our valued international partners. Through proactive safety initiatives, rigorous protective measures, and continuous monitoring, we ensure a secure, seamless, and rewarding experience from arrival to departure.

To Our International Tourism Stakeholders:
Promote Tanzania with full confidence. Our safety and protection standards stand as your guarantee of quality and reliability.

To Our Tourists and Visitors:
Explore Tanzania—from the Serengeti to Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar—with complete peace of mind. Your safety and your memories are our highest priorities.

Welcome to Tanzania—one of the world’s most captivating destinations. We eagerly look forward to sharing its magic with you.

The Tanzania Tourism Sector Safety and Protection (TTSSP) Team”

Leading the Continent Forward

As African tourism continues to grow, Tanzania’s TTSSP model highlights what is possible when a nation places visitor safety, transparency, and service excellence at the core of its tourism strategy. Its example suggests a future in which more African countries establish dedicated tourism safety agencies and tourism police—creating a continent that is not only safer, but more responsive and more welcoming from the moment a traveler begins planning their journey.

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Travel

Sandals and Beaches Lead a Tourism Comeback for Jamaica, as Minister Bartlett Has A Christmas Wish For Visitors

Published

2 days ago

December 6, 2025

Juergen T Steinmetz

Jamaica welcomes the world back with renewed spirit as Sandals spearheads the island’s tourism revival. From reopened resorts to revived attractions, momentum is building. This Christmas, Jamaica’s Tourism Minister offers a hopeful message, inviting travelers to return and play a meaningful role in the nation’s bright new chapter.

Jamaica is stepping confidently into a new era of renewal, optimism, and global re-engagement. As travelers return in steady waves and investment energy rises across the island, the nation’s tourism sector is experiencing a revival led in large part by homegrown hospitality powerhouse Sandals Resorts International (SRI).

This winter season marks a symbolic turning point. With five major Sandals and Beaches resorts now reopened—Sandals Dunn’s River, Sandals Royal Plantation, Sandals Ochi, Sandals Negril, and Beaches Negril—the island’s north coast is once again buzzing with the rhythms of visitors rediscovering Jamaica’s famous warmth, culture, and natural beauty.

Sandals Sets the Pace for Jamaica’s Tourism Resurgence

SANDALS 9ae01a78bb 30c6a57f72 | eTurboNews | eTN

Sandals® Resorts: Made Of Caribbean [Official Website]

The Caribbean is more than a place—it’s a state of mind. We’ve got endless ways to open your senses to the Caribbean’s natural wonders.

At the center of this comeback is SRI Executive Chairman Adam Stewart, who describes the nation’s current moment as “a rising tide of confidence.” With airports fully operational and marquee attractions—from Dunn’s River Falls to Seven Mile Beach—ready for exploration, Stewart says Jamaica is primed to welcome the world back with open arms.

Earlier this month, Sandals hosted nearly 400 travel advisors and industry partners at its immersive “Back to Jamaica” showcase, offering firsthand experiences meant to reignite global enthusiasm for the destination.

“Seeing is believing,” Stewart said during the event at Sandals Dunn’s River. “Feeling the sand, hearing the music, tasting the island—this is what reminds the world why Jamaica is a place they return to again and again.”

A Christmas Wish From Jamaica’s Tourism Minister

Jamaica’s Tourism Minister extended a heartfelt message to the global community, calling on travelers and investors to be part of the nation’s forward momentum.

“The best Christmas gift Jamaica could receive is the return of our visitors—those who love our island and believe in our future,” the Minister noted. “Every traveler who steps onto Jamaican soil doesn’t just take a vacation—they support families, communities, and the continued growth of our nation.”

His holiday wish is not merely symbolic. Tourism remains one of Jamaica’s most vital economic engines, touching sectors from agriculture to transportation. As travelers come back, their presence fuels job creation, supports local businesses, and breathes life into the cultural spaces that give Jamaica its dynamic identity.

Communities Poised to Benefit From a New Chapter

The impact of tourism’s return extends beyond beaches and resorts. Across the island, artisans, tour operators, musicians, farmers, and small-business owners stand ready to reconnect with visitors.

Jamaica’s government and private sector leaders aim to channel this resurgence into sustainable, community-centered growth, ensuring that the benefits of tourism reach deeper and wider than ever before. With Sandals’ major investment and reopening push, the island has a strong anchor for this renewed chapter.

“Welcome Home” — Jamaica’s Message to the World

For an island known for its soul-stirring music, unbreakable spirit, and unmatched hospitality, the new season brings more than economic recovery—it brings emotional restoration.

As Stewart shared while celebrating the reopening of the resorts:
“Our guests don’t just visit Jamaica—they come home to it. And the moment they return, they feel the magic again.”

With the holidays approaching, Jamaica stands ready: ready to shine, ready to grow, and ready to welcome the world back to its shores.

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Travel

Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts prioritises guest safety, colleague support, and community recovery as affected properties resume full operations

Published

2 days ago

December 6, 2025

Hazel Jain

Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts stands united with its communities during this period of adversity and remains committed to supporting recovery efforts while ensuring the safety and wellbeing of its guests and employees. Adverse weather linked to Cyclone Ditwah temporarily affected operations at several of its properties. The hotel group has issued a statement that says, ‘At a time when many of the communities continue to feel the impact of the floods, our thoughts are with everyone affected. Throughout this period, our priority has remained the safety and wellbeing of our teams, our communities, and the guests in our care. All guest safety protocols were upheld, in house guests remained safe, and timely updates were shared with our travel partners and stakeholders to ensure clarity and continuity. Thanks to the swift response and dedication of our teams, we are pleased to confirm that all affected resorts Cinnamon Lodge Habarana, Habarana Village by Cinnamon, Cinnamon Citadel Kandy, Kandy Myst by Cinnamon, and Trinco Blu by Cinnamon have now resumed welcoming guests.’

Hishan Singhawansa- CEO -Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, says, “Despite the temporary disruptions caused by Cyclone Ditwah, I am immensely proud of how swiftly and safely our teams restored full operations. Our focus now is twofold, continuing to support the communities around us as they rebuild, and ensuring the comfort and wellbeing of every guest who places their trust in us. The warmth and resilience of Sri Lanka’s hospitality remain unchanged, and all our properties are fully operational and ready to warmly welcome Indian travellers this holiday season.”

As of 1^st December 2025, all Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts properties are fully operational. Resorts’ operations are functioning as normal. Importantly, business continues uninterrupted across its entire portfolio, with guests arriving, staying, and departing as scheduled. All bookings, arrivals, and planned activities continue as scheduled.

As part of its commitment to supporting communities during this time, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts together with the John Keells Group and the John Keells Foundation continues to assist those affected. As a hospitality brand, its priority is to support the nation’s recovery while ensuring the continued comfort and safety of all guests and communities. Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts will continue to provide updates as needed and stands firmly with the people of Sri Lanka.

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