DEVELOPMENT OF CROSS-BORDER TOURISM IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION AND THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

Abstract

China and Russia are countries with enormous tourism potential and great opportunities for its implementation. Cooperation with China in the field of tourism is strategic for Russia, as the tourism industry of Russia has just begun to recover from the recent negative consequences and needs the support of a stronger partner in order to reach the international level and be able to fully show its tourism potential.

The Chinese tourism industry, which was actively developed only with the beginning of the “openness” reforms, has reached the highest levels in a fairly short time, benefiting first from inbound and then from outbound tourism. Due to some political and economic restrictions in recent years, the entire tourism industry in Russia has experienced a noticeable decline. However, domestic tourism in Russia today has undergone positive changes and began its active development.

Russia, having significant tourism opportunities, is trying to strengthen its position in China as an important destination. This is facilitated by the creation of a comfortable environment for tourists from China through the introduction of the China Friendly program. Tourism cooperation in the border areas has an irreplaceable impact on expanding exchanges and strengthening friendship between the neighboring regions of China and Russia, and also brings significant benefits to the economic and social development in the border areas.

Thus, today cooperation between Russia and China in the field of tourism is a strategic and most promising area for both Russia and China. By actively maintaining and developing relations, both parties have the opportunity to fully realize their tourism potential