Russian tourists now eyeing RP

The recent 12th International Autumn Trade Fair for Tourism in Moscow, Russia, often simply known as Otdykh (Leisure), proved to be another excellent promotional and sales tool for developing tourism awareness of the Philippines.

The four-day well-attended annual exhibit featured the entire product range of the world travel industry, from daylong sightseeing trips to cultural and adventure tours, wellness and enriching holidays, interesting workshops, educational seminars, and programs for tourists and business travelers.

As expected, majority of the travel trade visitors were decision makers from Russia and neighboring countries, who met daily with international experts to establish new business contacts, learn about new destinations, and sign contracts for the coming year traveling season.

Oscar Palabyab, Tourism Undersecretary for tourism services and regional offices, headed the Philippine delegation, with Team Europe head Verna Buensuceso. She was ably assisted by Cristy Navarro, Katherine Alcantara and Karen May Sanchez. Rep. Nerissa Corazon of the 6th district of Cebu also joined the travel mission.

The Philippine Pavilion, all of 126 square meters, strategically located in the very center of the Crocus Expo, had several participants and key players that did justice to the diverse fabulous tourist destinations they were enthusiastically promoting. They included top tour operators, including Baron Travel Corp. president Ma. Elena Yaptangco, Blue Horizons Travel and Tours CEO Patrick Blum, Intas Destination Management managing partner Sonia Lazo, Southeast Travel inbound manager Brenda Consul, CCT 168 Travel and Tours general manager Placida Faustino, and T.R.I.P.S. Travel general manger Cesar Cruz; airline partner, Philippine Airlines GSA relations manager Pocholo Azucena; the spa and wellness industry, represented by Marjorie Lopingco, Michelle Suarez and Wilfredo Estiandan; and the hotels and resorts, led by Badian Island Resort and Spa chairman Hartwig Scholz, Plantation Bay general manager Efren Belarmino, and El Nido Resort sales director and reservations manager Josielyn Manabat.

The award-winning 12-member Bayanihan National Dance Company, with their selection of much-applauded cultural songs and dances for the delight of visitors, provided a touch of the Filipino way of life full of color and beauty.

Interestingly, with a population of 278 million, the Russian Federation and the Commonwealth of Independent States are among the most promising markets in Europe. Apart from the established European, Mediterranean and traditional winter-sun destinations, there is a growing market for new destinations and new activities.

The demand for nations with unique characteristics and traditions, nature and culture is growing. It is with this in mind that the Philippine Department of Tourism joined the very successful travel trade show in Russia, and continues to aggressively promote various sites that will surely captivate potential travelers.