(Phnom Penh): On 21 January 2026, Cambodian Minister of Tourism Huot Hak received a delegation from JFT Jet, one of Cambodia’s leading private jet service providers, together with Lotus Group of Companies, for a courtesy call and working discussion on strategies to attract Russian tourists and investors to Cambodia.

The delegation included Kek Khemarath, Chief Executive Officer of JFT Jet, and Vladimir Palancica, Chief Executive Officer of Lotus Group and Head of BRICS House, which is scheduled to open in Cambodia in February. The establishment of BRICS House is expected to help facilitate greater investment inflows from BRICS member countries, among the world’s leading economies.

Both representatives expressed appreciation to the tourism minister for the meeting and for exchanging views on the development of Cambodia’s tourism sector. Palancica said discussions focused on the possibility of launching direct flights from the Russia to Cambodia, as well as visa facilitation measures for Russian tourists and investors.

He underscored Cambodia’s strong potential to attract Russian visitors, citing its ancient temples, coastal destinations, peaceful environment, and hospitable people, which he described as highly competitive within Southeast Asia. He also invited the tourism minister to attend a major international tourism exhibition scheduled to be held in Moscow in the near future.

Minister Huot Hak expressed full support for the proposed initiatives and public–private cooperation aimed at increasing Russian tourist arrivals. He offered recommendations for practical implementation to ensure the sustainability and success of the cooperation.

The minister noted that Russian tourists are generally high-spending visitors who favor quality services such as wellness tourism, spa treatments, and long-term stays. Their visits typically last five to seven days, with some extending to one or two months, making a significant contribution to national economic growth.

With Lotus Group’s extensive experience in international tourism markets and cooperation with JFT Jet, and with the support of the Ministry of Tourism, the initiative is viewed as an important opportunity under Cambodia’s open-door policy to attract Russian tourists and investors, thereby promoting sustained growth in the tourism sector and the national economy.
=FRESH NEWS