Tourism Emerges as a Key Tool for International Diplomacy at Kamchatka Sustainable Development Forum
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, tourism has solidified its position as an impactful tool in international diplomacy, capable of bolstering trust among nations and creating fresh horizons for collaboration. This pivotal aspect was the central theme of the session “Tourism as an Instrument of International Diplomacy,” held on February 19th during the Sixth Sustainable Development Forum in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.
Alexandra Borman, Director of International Cooperation at TV BRICS, emphasized the significant role of media in showcasing diverse regions. She stated that tourism is not merely a growing economic sector but a potent force in international diplomacy. Through travel, cultural exchanges, and human connections, trust is forged between countries, paving the way for new cooperative endeavors. Borman underscored the media’s crucial function in shaping perceptions of a region, illuminating its natural and cultural potentials, as well as investment opportunities for international audiences.
During the forum, experts also delved into tourism’s contribution to developing cultural and humanitarian cooperation and facilitating dialogue among governments. Vladimir Rusanov, Minister of Tourism for Kamchatka, spoke about the region’s unique advantages. He noted that over the past five years, Kamchatka has recognized that approximately 40 percent of Pacific Ocean fish products are harvested in the region. This capacity, he suggested, could serve as a vehicle for ‘soft gastro-diplomacy’ to enhance relations with Pacific Rim countries. Rusanov also identified ethnic tourism as a promising area, adding that Kamchatka ranks second in the Russian Far East for the number of natural protected areas.
Siddharth Gaurav, India’s Consul General in Vladivostok, commented on the sidelines of the forum that the session’s theme aligns with the G20 agenda. He announced that tourism is intrinsically linked to sustainable development goals and provides a platform for exchanging ideas that will shape future decisions. Gaurav highlighted an increasing flow of tourists between India and Russia, noting that enhanced cooperation possibilities can be explored with the new visa regime. He referenced Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’ during India’s G20 presidency, characterizing it as a slogan for global tourism. Gaurav concluded that tourism not only drives economic growth but also contributes to strengthening national identity.
Mam Afua Hodjetu, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, described her visit to Kamchatka as a deliberate step towards advancing public diplomacy. She emphasized that the current level of ‘public cultural diplomacy’ can be leveraged for regional development. Hodjetu pointed out the numerous commonalities between Ghana and Kamchatka, including rich natural and marine resources. It was announced at the session that tourist traffic from African countries to Russia has increased by 60 percent over the past two years.
The Sixth Sustainable Development Forum is scheduled to run from February 17th to 21st in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. The event’s program includes over 40 sessions across three main tracks: Economy and Investment, Architecture and Integrated Territorial Development, and Tourism and Hospitality. The TV BRICS International Media Network is participating in the forum as an international information partner.
