Enticing the Rich Russian Market

The recent 12th International Autumn Trade Fair for Tourism in Russia called Otdykh - Leisure proved to be an excellent tool for developing tourism awareness of the Philippines.

The four-day exhibit featured the entire product range of the industry, from sightseeing trips, short and long distance destinations to adventure tours, wellness and educational holidays, as well as workshops, seminars and programs for tourists, Russians in particular, and business travelers. As expected, the majority of trade visitors were decision makers of the Russian travel industry who met international experts to learn about new destinations, establish new business contacts and sign contracts for the coming year.

Oscar Palabyab, Undersecretary Tourism Services and Regional Offices, headed the Philippine Delegation with Verna Buensuceso - Head, Team Europe. She was ably assisted by Cristy Navarro, Katherine Alcantara and Karen May Sanchez. Nerissa Corazon Ruiz, Representative of the 6th District of Cebu, likewise joined the travel mission.

The 126-square meter booth of the Philippine Department of Tourism, strategically located at the center of the Crocus Expo, had several participants and key players who did justice to the diverse fabulous tourist destinations they were enthusiastically promoting. They included top tour operators such as Ma. Elena Yaptangco-president of Baron Travel Corp., Patrick Blum-CEO, Blue Horizons Travel and Tours, Sonia

Lazo-Managing Partner Intas Destination Management, Brenda Consul-Inbound Manager of Southeast Travel, Placida Faustino-General Manager CCT 168 Travel and Tours and Cesar Cruz-General Manger of T.R.I.P.S. Travel, the airline partner, Pocholo Azucena- GSA Relations Manager for Philippine Airlines, the Spa and Wellness Industry represented by Marjorie Lopingco, Michelle Suarez and Wilfredo Estiandan and the hotels and resorts led by Hartwig Scholz- chairman of Badian Island Resort and Spa, Efren Belarmino-General Manager of Plantation Bay, and Josielyn Manabat - Director sales and reservations manager of El Nido Resort.

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

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 forms of tourism. The demand for countries with unique characteristic nature, culture, tradition and atmosphere is growing. It is with this in mind that the Philippine Department of Tourism joined the very successful travel trade show in Russia and continue to aggressively promote various destinations that will surely captivate potential travelers.