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The Russian Far East at GITF 2025: New Horizons in Tourism

The Russian Far East at GITF 2025: New Horizons in Tourism

{event} {icon-date} May 15–17 {/event} {event}{icon-format} Guangzhou, China {/event}
{container}{Text}Two Russian regions — Primorsky Krai and Zabaikalsky Krai — joined forces to present a united exhibition at Asia’s largest tourism fair, the Guangzhou International Travel Fair (GITF 2025). Their joint participation sent a powerful message: Russia is positioning the Far East as a next-generation travel destination.
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Team Strategy: Primorye + Zabaikalye
For the first time, the two regions showcased themselves as a single tourism space. The cooperation included developing cross-regional routes, synchronizing event calendars, and jointly promoting the destinations on the Chinese market.
“We want Chinese travelers to explore the mountains of Zabaikalsky Krai and the seas of Primorsky Krai in one trip — to experience Buddhist culture and taste local delicacies. This product is fresh and exciting, and the response at the stand reflected that,” said Natalia Akimova, Director of the Primorsky Krai Export Support Center.
Primorye: Awards, Interest, and Recognition
Primorsky Krai received the GITF award for being the most attractive Russian region for tourism cooperation with China. The region showcased a strong, recognizable tourism brand and held over 170 business meetings — more than 60 with Chinese platforms, B2B operators, and media.
{container-line}{Text2} Delegation representatives:
🔹 AYAXTOUR — group tours and VIP services between Russia and China
🔹 Mirabel Tour — mini-hotel and hunting tourism
🔹 ISTOK TOUR — themed and nature-based routes
🔹 PRIMORAUTOTRANS-TOUR — visa-free and interregional bus tours
🔹 Effective Energy LLC — gastro-tourism, rural vacations, national parks
🔹 AROUND THE WORLD — ecotourism and cultural routes
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Results include signed memorandums, requests for 2025–2026 seasonal tours, presence on Mafengwo, and a planned info tour with Chinese agencies.
Zabaikalye: A Striking First Appearance
Zabaikalsky Krai made its debut at an international tourism expo with a refreshed image, highlighting ecology, retreats, Buddhist culture, and cross-border travel.
“Zabaikalye is more than a border region — it’s a place of power where people can pause, breathe, and reboot. China sees us as a fresh and unique destination,” said Alina Timoshenko, Head of the Zabaikalsky Krai Export Support Center.
{container-line}{Text2} Zabaikalsky Krai Delegation:
🔹 MOUNTAINS AND WATERS — Mountaineering, ethnic tours, eco-rafting
🔹 Baikal-Transit-Expedition — Tours around Baikal and Zabaikalye
🔹 Another Life — Yoga, retreats, conscious tourism
🔹 OLYMP — Sports, family, and cultural tourism
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The delegation held over 130 meetings, signed 4 cooperation agreements, and received requests to launch pilot programs in summer 2025.
{container-line}{Text2} International Cooperation and "Guangzhou — TPO"
Both delegations also took part in the international “Guangzhou — TPO” city diplomacy program, boosting visibility among sister cities, tourism organizations, and media. {/Text2}{/container-line}
Key Results:
  • Primorye won the GITF award, affirming its appeal to Chinese tourists.
  • Zabaikalye made a debut with a distinctive tourism brand and positioned itself as a new destination.
  • Over 300 business meetings were held.
  • More than 110 new contacts established with Chinese operators, platforms, and B2B companies.
  • 10+ agreements and memorandums signed.
  • Cross-regional tours were presented, with pilot projects set for launch this summer.
  • Effective interregional cooperation and a unified brand of Russia’s Far East demonstrated.
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