Moscow (APP – Urdu Point / Pakistan Point News – 5 Apr, 2026) Pakistan It attracts up to 50,000 Russian tourists every year and generates $1 one billion In annual revenue, as global He travels Patterns are changing and the number of Russian outbound tourists stands at 15 million, down from 24 million before 2022.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Russia, Faisal Niaz Tarmizi, said that the changing conditions in global markets and unrest in parts of the world middle The East is creating space for new destinations, with Pakistan aiming to secure a share.
In an exclusive interview, Ambassador Faisal Al-Tirmidhi said that international tourism and a job Trends are changing due to economic turmoil and regional instability. He pointed out that Eastern European countries and Russia are now looking for alternative destinations. In this case, Pakistan is seen as a new option.
He said that the Russian tourism market offers strong potential. Russian travelers are showing interest in accessible, safe and cost-effective destinations. Pakistan, with its diverse landscape and continuous improvements in tourism facilities, can meet this demand if it engages tour operators and visitors in a planned manner.
The ambassador shared details of his meeting with Andrei Ignatiev, who said that Pakistan could become a future destination for Russian tourists. Before 2022, about 24 million Russians traveled abroad every year, visiting countries such as Türkiye, EgyptThailand, Malaysia and India. Due to restrictions in Europe and North America, along with security concerns in parts of the Middle East, the number has fallen to 15 million annually.
Russian tourists mostly travel during the winter and prefer destinations with warm weather, safe conditions and reliable hotel services. According to Ignatiev, the average Russian tourist spends between $1,000 and $5,000 on trips lasting one to two weeks. Countries hosting Russian tourists earn between $1 billion and $7 billion annually from this sector.
Ambassador Termizi said Pakistan could start by hosting small groups of Russian tourists through tour operators and gradually increase the number to 50,000 annually. If managed well, this sector alone could bring in up to $1 billion annually to the Pakistani economy.
He also referred to the position of Vladimir Putin, who considers Pakistan a friendly country and supports stronger ties in the areas of tourism, business and trade. educationAnd culture.
Regarding the growth of tourism in Pakistan, the ambassador said that the sector has shown progress in recent years. Under government initiatives, including the Green Pakistan programme, steps have been taken to improve planning and attract investment. In 2025, Pakistan welcomed more than one million international tourists, reflecting an 820 percent increase compared to previous years.
International platforms such as BBC and CNN have listed Gilgit-Baltistan among the top tourist destinations, which has helped improve Pakistan’s global visibility.
To support foreign visitors, Pakistan has relaxed its measures Visa procedures. Citizens of 126 countries can now use the “Visa Pre-Arrival” service. The government has also introduced an online system called “Tourism in the Palm”, which provides access to travel information and services.
Regarding infrastructure, Ambassador Tarmzi said that 17 tourism projects have been completed during the past two years as part of green tourism programs. Another 10 hotels and resorts are scheduled to be built from 2026 to 2027 in areas such as Gadani, Sonmiani and Hunza. These projects aim to improve accommodation and support tourism growth.
Speaking about global trends, he said that tourism is affected by security concerns. Instability in parts of the Middle East has disrupted travel routes and reduced tourist flows to that region. your a resulttravelers choose destinations in regions such as Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and parts of Europe.
He said flight routes were also affected because the Middle East serves as a major transit hub. Changes in this system affect global communication. At the same time, investors are exploring established and emerging markets for tourism-related projects.
Ambassador Tirmizi said that Pakistan could benefit from these changes if it took timely steps. He highlighted the northern regions like Hazara Division, Skardu and Hunza as major attractions for adventure and cultural tourism.
He also pointed to Pakistan’s location, linking Asia, Europe and Africa, as an opportunity to develop as a transit hub. He stressed the need to improve aviation services and regional connectivity with Central Asia, Eastern Europe and China.
However, he said challenges remain. One of the main issues is the global perception regarding security, which is improving but still needs time to change completely. He noted that foreign travelers are increasingly visiting Pakistan independently, including those traveling by bicycle from Khunjerab Pass to KarachiAnd sharing positive experiences.
He stressed the need for a coordinated approach to strengthen Pakistan at the international level. This includes strengthening brands, engaging with airlines, and using digital platforms to reach global audiences. Encouraging low-cost airlines and using media and film platforms can also help improve Pakistan’s image.
In his closing remarks, Ambassador Tarmzi said that global tourism is going through a period of change, creating a window to new destinations. He said Pakistan has the resources and location to become part of this transformation but must work with clear planning and timely decisions to secure its position in the global tourism market.