By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 30: Major Russian online travel platform Ostrovok plans to expand its listings of Malaysian hotels and tourism operators after channelling 15,000 Russian visitors to Malaysia last year—a 27 per cent surge from 2024.
According to a Facebook post by Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Dato Seri Tiong King Sing, Ostrovok currently operates across more than 220 countries, offering roughly 3.2 million accommodation options to direct consumers, travel agencies and corporate clients.
“Ostrovok’s expansion could provide Malaysian hotels and destination management companies with greater exposure to the Russian market, particularly as interest in Malaysia continues to grow.
“Malaysian tourism products, including food, culture, islands, diving and eco-adventure experiences, should feature more prominently on Russian online travel platforms and in travel agency catalogues,” he said.
He emphasised that digital promotions must be coupled with direct B2B engagement between Malaysian hoteliers, travel agencies, and destination management firms and their Russian counterparts.
In a related update, Tiong highlighted feedback from veteran Russian travel agency Piter Tours, which has marketed Malaysian holiday packages for 21 years.
The operator requested more flexible pricing on accommodation and local attractions, noting that Russian holidaymakers currently stick predominantly to classic itineraries combining Kuala Lumpur with Langkawi or Penang.
To address this, Tiong said Malaysia stands ready to facilitate direct business matching between industry players from both nations.
He added that bolstering distribution networks across online platforms and travel partners will help convert consumer interest into confirmed bookings, while encouraging Russian tourists to extend their stays and explore lesser-known Malaysian destinations. — DayakDaily
