The Russian Federation’s honorary consul in Cebu has urged local stakeholders to participate in her agenda for a holistic tourism program for Cebu as more Russian tourists are expected to travel to tourist destinations like the Philippines.
Russian Federation Honorary Consul in Cebu Armi Garcia stressed the need for “cultural immersion; synergy between tourism and academe; and understanding the relationship between tourism, trade and investment.
â€The liberalization of Russian travel is good news since it would mean a new wave of income potential. But it could also be bad news for tourism players whose hands are suddenly full and couldn’t deliver the demands of an unfamiliar market,†said Garcia during the 5th Cebu Business Month Tourism Congress.
The Department of Tourism reported 128-percent increase of Russian tourist arrivals to Cebu in 2007.
â€Russians spend more, about USD100 per day, and stay longer, from a minimum of nine days to a maximum of 21 days. The average spending per Russian tourist would be more than USD2,000,†said Verna Buensuceso, head of the Department of Tourism-Tourism Planning and Promotion’s Team Europe.
Garcia appealed to diplomats and tourism stakeholders to be “attentive and sensitive†to the Russian culture, lifestyle and cuisine, among other aspects.
She also called on tourism players and the academe to work together to provide “viable information†about the market so they will be able to properly address the needs of Russian tourists.
She said the Russians are an educated and adventurous market and most of them could be businessmen looking for opportunities in Cebu.
â€I suggest that there will be a permanent one-stop shop for leisure and business, showcasing the products and culture of Cebu,†she said.
â€With tourism, there is opportunity for trade. Wit trade, Russians will be able to recognize the opportunity to invest in Cebu and, eventually, help generate jobs,†she explained.
Garcia lauded Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano for laying the groundwork for tourism in the country. She also commended the business sector for recognizing the connection between investment and tourism.
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