Tourist Assistance director Osaulenko believes Russians will go to China by mid-year
Alexander Osaulenko, director of the Association of Tour Operators for Outbound Tourism Turpomoshch, projects that Russian travelers will be able to fly to China by the middle of this year. In a recent interview, he outlined this possible timeline as the next stage after the relaxation of covid restrictions, signaling a broader rebound in international travel for Russia and a renewed interest in long-haul destinations among holidaymakers and tour operators alike. He cautioned that timelines in travel can shift with changing health and regulatory expectations, but his assessment reflected a cautiously optimistic outlook for cross-border tourism this year.
Osaulenko noted an uptick in activity within the tourism sector, with platforms and industry networks forming to coordinate efforts as international travel resumes. He emphasized that the industry is aligning goals and strategies for the year, aiming to restore tourist flows as swiftly as possible and to support travel businesses during the restoration phase. The move toward reopening international routes is part of a broader pattern of recovery seen across many travel markets as airlines and operators adjust to renewed demand and a more predictable travel environment.
Earlier announcements indicated that direct flights between Russia and China would resume on a limited schedule, with routes connecting Moscow to Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shanghai expected to operate on a once-a-week basis. In addition, service to Indonesia was also anticipated to ramp up, with Moscow to Denpasar flights returing to a frequency of three per week. These tentative schedules reflect a phase of gradual normalization, where carriers test demand levels, logistics, and visa or entry requirements while travelers regain confidence in international travel opportunities.
Industry observers highlight that with the easing of restrictions, a broader conversation is taking place about how to rebuild travel itineraries, including multi-destination trips and seasonal offerings that accommodate both business and leisure travelers. The reopening process involves collaboration among airlines, tour operators, and hospitality providers to ensure seamless experiences, competitive pricing, and reliable schedules that encourage travelers to plan ahead. As markets reopen, the focus remains on safety, transparency, and flexible booking policies to support consumer confidence and sustainable growth in international tourism.
In the current climate, agencies are increasingly prioritizing consumer education about destination requirements, travel advisories, and health protocols. They are also investing in digital platforms to streamline bookings, provide real-time updates, and offer personalized itineraries. The steady progress toward restored international travel is expected to bring renewed opportunities for cultural exchange, business travel, and leisure discovery across the Russia–China corridor and neighboring regional routes, contributing to a more vibrant, recovered travel ecosystem for the year ahead.