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Global tourism to recover in 2024 at the earliest — UNWTO

"The economic contribution of tourism in 2021 is estimated at $1.9 trillion, above the $1.6 trillion in 2020, but still well below the pre-pandemic value of $3.5 trillion," UNWTO said

MADRID, January 18. /TASS/. The majority of experts believe that international tourism will return to figures before the coronavirus pandemic in 2024 or later, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) said on Tuesday.

"Global tourism experienced a 4% upturn in 2021, compared to 2020 (415 million versus 400 million). However, international tourist arrivals (overnight visitors) were still 72% below the pre-pandemic year of 2019, according to preliminary estimates by UNWTO. This follows on from 2020, the worst year on record for tourism, when international arrivals decreased by 73%," the organization said.

"According to the latest UNWTO Panel of Experts, most tourism professionals (61%) see better prospects for 2022," the Organization noted. 58% of experts expect a rebound in 2022 but 42% of tourism professionals believe it will take place in 2023 only, UNWTO said. "A majority of experts (64%) now expect international arrivals to return to 2019 levels only in 2024 or later, up from 45% in the September survey," it added.

"The economic contribution of tourism in 2021 (measured in tourism direct gross domestic product) is estimated at $1.9 trillion, above the $1.6 trillion in 2020, but still well below the pre-pandemic value of $3.5 trillion," UNWTO said. "Export revenues from international tourism could exceed $700 billion in 2021, a small improvement over 2020 due to higher spending per trip, but less than half the US$1.7 trillion recorded in 2019," it stressed.

2020 was the worst year for international tourism on record.

Putin to speak at St. Petersburg Forum of United Cultures — Kremlin

Special envoy of the Russian President for international cultural cooperation Mikhail Shvydkoy is expected to moderate the forum's plenary session

Talk of Kiev’s potential strikes inside Russia seeks to pressure Moscow — Russian diplomat

This is an element of psychological warfare, which in turn is part of the hybrid war that Washington has waged against our country for a long time, Ryabkov said

Bank of Russia may either raise key rate to 20% or keep it as it is now — experts

Today, the experts' views are quite ambiguous and differ by about 300 bp regarding the upcoming meeting of the regulator

Press review: US moves to allow strikes inside Russia and Trump, Harris trade debate blows

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, September 12th

UK already permitted Kiev to use Storm Shadow, but will not admit it publicly — paper

The report quotes anonymous sources as saying that "it would be considered unnecessarily provocative" in London to make a public announcement of this kind

US presidential debate mere dog and pony show — Russian diplomat

"Is that big news that we could see yet another show performed by people who clearly take no responsibility whatsoever for their words?" Maria Zakharova asked rhetorically

Russian diplomat says Washington, London stand behind Ukrainian strike on Ramenskoye

According Maria Zakharova, attempts by Western governments and special services to push Russia’s non-systemic opposition toward destabilizing the internal political situation in Russia are doomed to fail

Tajikistan’s Chief Mufti Abdulkodirzoda wounded in assassination attempt — police

The suspected assailant had been detained at the scene

US’ Blinken admits Ukraine’s discussion of strikes at Russia may cause escalation

The US diplomat also noted that he discussed strikes at Russia during the meeting with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and his British counterpart and plans to report on the outcome of his negotiations to US President Joe Biden

Russia finishing preparations for signing new interstate agreement with Iran — Shoigu

"We continue keeping an eye on issues of the practical implementation of top-level agreements," the Russian Security Council secretary underlined

West pushes Moldova towards catastrophe after testing it in Ukraine — Russian MFA

According to Maria Zakharova, "the anti-Russian rhetoric of the official Chisinau is taking on increasingly grotesque forms"

US to add to Ukraine’s air defense systems in coming months — Blinken

When commenting on hostilities in Ukraine, he emphasized that the country has "challenging moments" due to Russia’s actions during the special military operation

Russian army approaches Seversk to increase range of weapons used — military expert

Andrey Marochko noted that this development will allow Russian troops to "increase pressure" on the enemy and "expand the range of weapons used"

Iran delivers no ballistic missiles to Russia — foreign minister

Abbas Araghchi believes that all those supporting the anti-Iranian sanctions should ask themselves: "How is Iran able to make and supposedly sell sophisticated arms?"

Russia must be ready to repel military aggression from any direction — Putin

The Russian leader wished the participants of the exercise "success in accomplishing the assigned tasks"

Ka-52M helicopters hit Ukrainian manpower, equipment in Kursk border area — top brass

The ministry added that the attack was carried out with air-to-air missiles on reconnaissance targets of the enemy

Restrictions on Russian nickel exports may cause deficit, price surge worldwide — expert

This will hit especially hard industries using nickel to produce batteries and electric vehicles, Yaroslav Kabakov noted

Russian troops rescue over 200 civilians of Krasnogorovka — commander

The commander emphasized that during the liberation of the town, the priority was to preserve the lives of the locals, many of whom were in Krasnogorovka

Russian air defense weapons are world’s best — expert

According to CEO of the Complex Unmanned Solutions Center Dmitry Kuzyakin, neither China, nor the United States, nor any of the European countries now could even come close to repelling an overnight drone attack like the one that happened on the territory of Russia on September 10

Solar plasma cloud almost certain to reach Earth, causing geomagnetic storm — scientists

Current calculations project the solar matter arrival at around 10:00 p.m. Moscow time

Press review: UK may jettison Russian sanctions and Berlin eyes olive branch on Ukraine

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, September 10th

Xiangshan Security Forum to gather record number of participants in Beijing

Organizers said that delegations from more than 90 countries and international organizations will take part in the 11th edition of the annual forum, to run through September 14

IN BRIEF: Trump, Harris talk Putin, trade jabs on Ukraine, Middle East in Tuesday's debate

Donald Trump mentioned Russian President Vladimir Putin’s name six times and referred to Russia 10 times in the debate, while Kamala Harris mentioned Putin four times and Russia two times

Russia, China, countries of global South seek just world order — Putin

"We will do everything to prepare relevant decisions on the basis of consensus, customary in our relations," the Russian leader stressed

Rising number of dead foreigners in Ukraine proves West's involvement — envoy to UN

"We have warned from the beginning that those who help the Zelensky clique stay afloat will become our legitimate targets," Vasily Nebezya reminded

Roscosmos offered its help to NASA in Starliner situation — head

Yury Borisov recalled the December 2022 loss of pressure in Soyuz MS-22’s external radiator cooling loop, which resulted in a decision not to use it for crew return

Russia assumes Iran heard its position on Zangezur Corridor — Foreign Ministry spokeswoman

"We have provided all necessary explanations in this regard," Maria Zakharova stressed

Mi-28NM copter hits Ukrainian armored vehicles in Kursk border area — Defense Ministry

Reconnaissance confirmed the elimination of Ukrainian manpower and armor, the Defense Ministry said

Analyst says Zelensky wages media war against Germany

Military expert Ralf Thiele said that he expected Germany to make as many vigorous diplomatic efforts to reach a ceasefire in Ukraine as it does in the Middle East

West tries to present 'Zelensky’s formula' as holy scripture — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister recalled that after the conference on Ukraine in Buergenstock the participants decided to move forward at least on some points of the "Zelensky formula"

Iran suggests creating security format within BRICS framework

Iranian security official met with his Russian counterparts Sergey Shoigu and other top security officials from the BRICS member states

Russia pushing Ukrainian troops out of Kursk Region, will undoubtedly succeed — Lavrov

The foreign minister pointed out that "it is the West that supplies Ukraine with offensive weapons that are used in terrorist attacks"

Ukrainian forces attempt to eliminate their own troops captured by Russian units

"Look at us: there are injuries but these wounds came from the drones that attacked us," the Ukrainian soldier said

Soyuz MS-26 takes new crew, including new TASS correspondent, to ISS

The spacecraft carries Roscosmos cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin and Ivan Vagner and NASA astronaut Donald Pettit

North Korea fires presumed ballistic missile towards Sea of Japan

The projectile splashed down outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone

Russia has no doubt Baku fully assesses risks of interaction with NATO — MFA

Maria Zakharova recalled that there was a large number of examples of the US infiltrating the national security sphere of other countries under the pretext of improving the situation there

Expert does not rule out introduction of licensing on strategic metals exports in Russia

According to Maxim Khudalov, this policy will lead to an increase in prices for these metals on the world market

Russia won’t account to US for cooperation with China — MFA

"We are building relations with China in a mutually beneficial way, in full compliance with international law and we are not going to give the United States an account," Maria Zakharova said

Defense minister says UK accelerating military support to Ukraine

"The support announced in April - including air defense missiles, equipment for F-16 fighter jets, AS90 self-propelled guns and spare barrels, military boats, and maritime guns - have now been delivered," the statement said

BRICS security leaders convene in St. Petersburg to discuss new world order

According to the preliminary agenda, the representatives of the BRICS group, chaired this year by Russia, intend to talk about how to work together to counter the "rules-based order" imposed by the West

Three enemy drones downed over northwestern Russia’s Murmansk Region — governor

As a precaution to ensure the safety of civilian aircraft, flights at Murmansk and Apatity airports have been temporarily suspended

Medvedev doubts prospects of century-long UK-Ukraine partnership

Kiev is unlikely to last even a quarter of this term, he said

Ukrainian troops execute comrades attempting to surrender in Kursk — army

Major General Apty Alaudinov added that getting captured Ukrainian soldiers out of the combat zone is no easy task

Press review: US keeps itself at arm's length from Kiev and Russia, China flex naval power

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, September 11th

Hungary believes in dialogue, not in 'lectures and sanctions' — Orban

Earlier, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto called for honesty on EU enlargement and criticized its leaders for playing a joke on the Western Balkan countries with accession to the EU

Poland has zero desire to defend Ukraine, top Polish diplomat says

According to Radoslaw Sikorski, Poland is now discussing whether to shoot down Russian cruise missiles over Ukraine's airspace from its own airspace without entering the Ukrainian territory

Russia simulates firing Kalibr missiles in Lake Ladoga during massive naval maneuvers

Also, the warships practiced causing jamming during the maneuvers, the ministry said

Moldova approves new Russian ambassador’s candidacy — top diplomat

Mihai Popsoi expressed hope that the Russian diplomatic mission in Chisinau will operate in strict compliance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations

China to take 'effective measures' if US missiles deployed in Asia — general

Earlier, US Army Secretary Christine Wormuth said that the US side is interested in the deployment of land-based intermediate-range missiles on the territory of Japan, which is actually prohibited by the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, from which Washington withdrew in 2019

Scholz says conference on resolving Ukrainian conflict with Russian participation needed

The German chancellor reiterated that "peace that respects Ukraine's integrity and sovereignty must be just, and not imposed or achieved by capitulation"

Ending Ukrainian conflict serves US interests — Trump

Soyuz MS-26 crew enters International Space Station

The crew is scheduled to spend 202 days in orbit and return on April 1, 2025

Russian air defenses down Ukrainian missile over Kursk Region

"We thank the fighters of the Air Defense Forces and defenders of the state border," region's acting Governor Alexey Smirnov said

Iran criticizes UK, Germany, France over air service termination

According to Nasser Kanaani, Tehran will respond "proportionately"

None of Russian regions can be disputed in talks on Ukraine — diplomat

Maria Zakharova commented on a statement by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan who said that the return of Crimea was allegedly a provision of international law

US military-industrial complex may instigate new conflicts after Ukraine — diplomat

Maria Zakharova pointed out the "explosive growth of the American military-industrial complex’s income," but added that "the path of total militarization of the economy is a dead end," because "switching back to the peaceful track is oftentimes very costly"

Russia will not accept any ultimatums on Ukraine — senior diplomat

The deputy foreign minister added that an agreement between Russia and the West on the exchange of prisoners has not increased trust in relations

Russia in favor of settlement in Ukraine, no counter-readiness recorded — Lavrov

The top diplomat pointed to the Swiss meeting on Ukraine, adding that "the West is trying in every possible way to keep Ukraine within the framework of the ultimatum"

US missile deployment in Asia poses biggest danger to region — general

In the spring, the US deployed an intermediate-range missile system in northern Japan as part of a Philippine-US exercise. Beijing strongly objected to the move

Musk believes Harris to be in charge of US office already

The televised debate between Trump and Harris organized by ABC News was held on Tuesday in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Number of Ukrainian troops going AWOL on the rise — report

Other widespread issues in the Ukrainian ranks are drug abuse and alcohol and gambling addiction

Putin meets with BRICS representatives on security in St. Petersburg

After the meeting with them, bilateral talks with some of the visiting BRICS representatives are also possible

US goal of inflicting strategic defeat on Russia unrealistic — Russian ambassador

The US government is "ready to sacrifice the well-being of the citizens by delivering weapons and ammunition worth billions of dollars to the Kiev regime"

US working to lift restrictions on use of US weapons to attack on Russia — Biden

"We're working that out now," the US leader said

Russian troops take full fire control of LPR's Makeyevka — military expert

Earlier, Andrey Marochko told TASS that the Ukrainian armed forces' command began pulling military personnel and equipment from Makeyevka after Russian servicemen successfully crossed the Zherebets River running in the settlement

Russia to take additional measures to support Cuba — Shoigu

The Security Council secretary noted that Moscow and Havana will develop their strategic cooperation in a wide array of areas

Ukrainian troops captured: situation in Kursk Region

In total, the enemy has lost over 11,800 servicemen since fighting began in the region

Kiev lost some 7,000 troops in Sudzha district of Kursk Region — commander

According to Apty Alaudinov, Ukraine is taking heavy casualties

Harris rejects Trump's claims about meeting with Putin days before special op start

During a televised debate, Trump claimed that Harris was sent to "negotiate peace," adding that Russia’s special military operation began "three days later"

Some Arab leaders confirm their participation in BRICS summit — senior Russian diplomat

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov stressed that BRICS summit due to be held in Kazan in October would be a crucial one

Trump says he wants to end Ukrainian conflict

He also plans to settle the conflict in Ukraine before his inauguration if he wins the election

Russia, Bolivia to build lithium carbonate producing plant

The Russian company’s project envisages the launch of production in the second half of 2025

Russia, China carry out live fire drills in Sea of Japan during Ocean-2024 exercise

According to the ministry, ships from Russia’s Pacific Fleet and China’s PLA Navy, acting as part of a joint detachment, practiced various defense strategies while moving through operational zones in the central part of the Sea of Japan

Reaction to permission to hit Russian territory with Western weapons to follow — Kremlin

According to Dmitry Peskov, "this raises significantly the degree of the collective West’s involvement in this war around Ukraine"

No more illusions about talks with Kiev after attack on Kursk — activist

"We must not fall into this trap again just to be swindled by our Ukrainian 'partners,'" Zakhar Prilepin said

Kremlin calls for critical approach to reports of drones flying into Russia from Norway

Dmitry Peskov cautioned "against treating reports of various digital media or media-like outlets as primary sources"

Russia calls for tougher IAEA response to Kiev’s threats to Kursk NPP — diplomat

Mikhail Ulyanov recalled that IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi visited the facility in late August and had a chance to see the consequences of Ukrainian attacks with his own eyes

Islamists win over 30 seats in Jordan’s 138-seat parliament — election authority

In accordance with the 2022 election law, 30% of all seats - or 41 seats in total - are allocated to political parties

Washington tasks Kiev with attacking ordinary Russians — ambassador

Anatoly Antonov added that Washington strategists use provocative slogans about alleged Moscow's plans to take over almost half of the world

Kiev pulling militants to stabilize situation near Kupyansk, Kremennaya — military expert

Kiev may have deployed Azov militants for reinforcement and for "stabilizing the situation at problem sectors of the front line," Andrey Marochko surmised

US military-industrial complex doesn’t want cash cow Ukraine conflict to end — expert

The reason is that this conflict, according to Dominique Trencan, "generates huge profits" for the US military industry because of aid to Kiev and shipments of weapons to European countries

West's reaction to situation around Nord Streams just show — Lavrov

According to the foreign minister, Russia has sent "numerous requests to Germany for legal assistance, which should have been answered under international law, but none of them have been fulfilled"

Putin praises Russian grain harvest figures, happy with export potential of 60 mln tons

The Russian president recalled that the harvest is expected at 132 million tons against 148 million a year ago, and domestic consumption - up to 90 million tons

Russian military has plan for pushing Ukrainian troops out of Kursk Region — Kremlin

Russia’s borderline Kursk Region came under a massive attack from Ukraine on August 6

US announces $325 in new funding for Ukraine’s energy system, humanitarian support

I'm also announcing today $290 million in new humanitarian support to help provide vital services like safe drinking, water, food, shelter, medicine, to millions of people in Ukraine, Blinken said

Putin invites Cabinet to consider restricting exports of uranium, titanium, nickel

The Russian leader reiterated that the government should "think about certain restrictions on supplies to the foreign market" of these and a number of other goods

Russia says its battlegroup North inflicted up to 180 casualties on Ukrainian troops

As a result of Battlegroup South units’ dynamic actions, the Ukrainian armed forces’ 72nd mechanized and 79th air assault brigades were defeated near Yelizavetovka and Katerinovka in the Donetsk People’s Republic

Army liberates Krasnogorovka after taking enemy by surprise — Russian serviceman

According to the report, all the assault operations in Krasnogorovka were carefully planned

Palestine sits as state for first time at 79th session of the UN General Assembly

Palestine will be able to include its representatives in the list of speakers at meetings on Middle East issues, propose amendments and make procedural proposals on behalf of a group of countries

Hamas rejects any new preconditions for Gaza ceasefire agreement, regardless of author

The radicals also underscored that Hamas considers the "post-war organization of Gaza an exclusively internal Palestinian affair"

Germany has not passed information on Scholz peace plan to Russia — Zakharova

At the same time, Maria Zakharova said, in case of such a peace initiative from Germany "no one will give it a standing ovation," because it is Scholz, who alongside others "sends money and weapons to the Kiev regime"

US commercial satellites surveyed Russia’s Engels airstrip ahead of Kiev’s strike attempt

Earlier, it was reported that, on Monday morning, Kiev attempted to strike the two airstrips with Soviet-made jet drones in order to disable Russian long-range aviation planes

Former Austrian Foreign Minister Kneissl confirms West’s plans to split up Russia

Some people in the Atlantic Council, and this is not only Americans, but also British, even German and Austrian scholars, said that Russia could be divided just as the Federation of Yugoslavia was divided

Ambassadors of friendly countries visit Russian ship in Angola

During the call at the Luanda port, the Baltic Fleet’s training ship Smolny will replenish water, fuel and food supplies and undergo technical maintenance

Finland suspends work of advisory council with Russia on Saimaa Canal

The main activities of the Advisory Board have mainly focused on determining the dates of the beginning and end of navigation along the Saimaa Canal, exchange of information on the situation in the Saimaa region

Ukraine’s failed attack on drilling rig may be sign of infighting in its military — expert

According to Vasily Prozorov, the attack might be a result of infighting between Kirill Budanov and Alexander Syrsky

Rada admits Ukrainian army struggles in Kursk Region

On September 11, Major General Apty Alaudinov, deputy chief of the Russian Armed Forces’ Main Military-Political Department and commander of the Akhmat special forces commando unit, reported that the Russian army had liberated several settlements in the Kursk Region

Countries need to grasp consequences of hosting US military bases — Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova cited Germany, which portrays itself as a democratic state with a well-developed legal system, as an example

Allegations on weapons deliveries to Russia from abroad are groundless — Kremlin

"We are developing our relations with a number of countries, we are cooperating in various spheres, and we will continue this cooperation in the interests of all involved countries," Dmitry Peskov added

Ukrainian withdrawal from Kursk Region to deal 'symbolic blow' for Kiev — newspaper

At the same time, a Ukrainian military officer told the newspaper that the situation in the area was difficult for Ukrainian forces

Liberating settlements: developments in Kursk Region

The Russian military also foiled Ukrainian attempts to attack the settlements of Cherkasskaya Konopelka, Borki and Fanaseyevka