Manila, Jan. 27 -- The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), under Philippine chairship, is seeking to sustain practical collaboration with Russia to promote frictionless travel and tourism growth in the region.

Speaking at the 16th ASEAN-Russia Tourism Consultation on Tuesday, Tourism Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso said ASEAN is aiming to build an "inclusive" and "resilient" tourism sector.

"We value the Russian Federation as a long-standing partner of ASEAN in strengthening people-to-people exchanges. And this partnership matters because it is grounded on shared aspirations -tourism that is resilient in the face of disruption, inclusive in the opportunities it creates, rooted in respect for culture, heritage and nature, and...