Russian chartered flights to boost Phl diving niche

CEBU, Philippines - At least 364 Russian divers will soon be arriving in the Philippines on chartered flights to visit Cebu’s top diving sites in the next few months.

Aneza Adamide, a Russian dive instructress revealed that the Philippines has become one of the target destinations of Russian diving enthusiasts, and the opening of the thrice-in-two weeks chartered flights from Russia will start the influx of more Russian divers to visit the Philippines.

Adamide mentioned that in Cebu, the group is expected to explore Moalboal and Apo Island in Negros Oriental, among others.

The chartered flights will start on October this year, Adamide said, who is also coordinating with the Russian consulate office here headed by Consul Armie L. Garcia.

The Philippines ranks high among scuba diving enthusiasts all over the world.

Central Visayas region has four top diving spots known in the world, these are the Malapascua Islet, Moalboal, Balicasag Island (Bohol), and Apo Island (Negros).

Tourism consultant Patria Aurora Roa said Cebu’s lure in diving is seen to revive the European market, particularly the Russians, since scuba diving is a hobby mostly indulged by the affluent market such as the Europeans.

For instance, of the 488 million population in the 27 European Union countries, a large (growing) chunk of those are divers, and backpackers, and eco-tourism enthusiasts, although, there is also a good number of leisure travelers.

Earlier, Department of Tourism  secretary Ramon Jimenez announced that the Philippines will make diving as one of the frontliners of the country for its international tourism promotions.

Jimenez said the tourism department would now be banking on the Philippines being the center of biodiversity in their marketing strategy.

“We will make diving in the Philippines, a major force for tourists to come,” the tourism chief said,

The revenue in diving makes up a quarter of the total tourism revenue.  Divers account to not less than five percent of the country’s tourism traffic.  (FREEMAN)