Lahoud Discusses Strengthening Tourism Cooperation with Russia and Resuming Direct Flights

Minister of Tourism Laura Khazen Lahoud received, at her office in the ministry, the head of the International Cooperation Center and the Russian-Lebanese Cooperation Office "Rusleban," Mohammad Nasser Al-Din, accompanied by the director of "Vesna" company and the official responsible for tourism cooperation at the center, Galina Abbas. They discussed ways to strengthen tourism cooperation between Lebanon and Russia, and to develop joint initiatives aimed at revitalizing tourist movement and expanding areas of cooperation in related service sectors.

The meeting addressed the importance of working to encourage Russian tourists to visit Lebanon, and enhancing communication between relevant authorities in both countries, which would allow leveraging Lebanese tourism and cultural assets, and opening the way for joint initiatives that contribute to revitalizing the tourism sector and developing bilateral relations on economic and social levels.

The delegation wished Minister of Tourism "assistance in working towards resuming direct air flights between Beirut and Moscow, given the positive repercussions this step would have on tourist movement, facilitating the travel of students, businessmen, and families, as well as its role in enhancing cultural and social communication between the Lebanese and Russian peoples," considering that "restoring this air link would constitute a facilitating factor in activating tourism cooperation and expanding exchange opportunities between the two countries."

The delegation also invited the Minister of Tourism to "participate in the international tourism exhibition expected to be organized in Moscow in 2027, which would allow highlighting the Lebanese tourist destination, introducing its natural, heritage, and cultural diversity, and opening new horizons for communication with institutions and companies operating in the Russian tourism sector."

For his part, Nasser Al-Din praised the efforts undertaken by Lahoud, commending the "systematic and programmed approach she adopts to advance the tourism and cultural sectors in Lebanon," affirming "the importance of building on these efforts to enhance cooperation with Russia and take advantage of available partnership opportunities."