RP wins recognition award in Moscow Travel Fair

Overwhelmed by the aggressive participation of the Philippines at the recent 10th Leisure Otdyktt Fair in Moscow, the Russian government gave the Department of Tourism (DoT) an award of recognition for its marketing and promotions efforts in Russia.

Russian Tourism Minister Aleksi Mishin handed a gold plated symbolic star award to DoT director for Central and Eastern Europe Marie Venus Tan. According to Tan, this is the first time that the Philippines made its mark in the Russian travel market.

Aside from the DoT, the Philippine exporters led by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines also participated in the event.

Several Russian operators and agents were upbeat to get more information on their travel options to the Philippines and to seek for business partners for inbound travel.

After China and India, the outbound market from the Russian Federation holds great promise for the Asia Pacific countries.

Russia’s large population of nearly 150 million and huge geographical spread across 17,075,200 sq. kilometers from Asia to Europe, cultural diversity, its shift to a market economy, freezing cold winters and largely landlocked status provide the underlying foundations for strong outbound travel in pursuit of warmth, sun, sea and wind.

The Russians perceive the Philippines as an exotic location and a diving destination in Asia, especially among Russian divers.

Many Russians are looking for luxury destinations for high-priced vacations thus, the DoT has prepared diving tour packages in Palawan and Mindoro; exotic tour packages in Davao and Cebu; and cruise packages to Palawan, Iloilo and Boracay Island.

Meanwhile, DoT Secretary Joseph Ace Durano recently announced the appointment of Edward Grigoriev as the new Tourism Marketing Representative for Russia. He said that, “His extensive knowledge of the market and his wide Russian travel business dealings will enable the industry to get a bigger slice of the Russian travel market.”