MOSCOW, October 4. /TASS/. Russian travelers and the tourism industry are awaiting the launch of direct flights from Russia to Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea, as well as an increase in the number of flights to Indonesia, Maya Lomidze, executive director of the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR), said in an interview with TASS.

"Ahead of the winter season, I would like to highlight the expectations and hopes of our tourists regarding Indonesia and Malaysia. Direct air service with these countries would not merely be welcomed - it would be guaranteed to increase tourist flows and generate strong interest among our travelers," she said.

Russian tourists are also interested in the launch of direct flights to South Korea and Japan. "As soon as rumors emerged that the resumption of direct air service with Japan was being discussed, we immediately began receiving inquiries from tourists: when will it start, which airline will fly, where can we find the information, and so on. So, it is now absolutely clear that all the interest is focused on Southeast Asian countries, and people are eagerly awaiting direct flights," the expert said.