Roi Anthoni B. Lomotan
DUMAGUETE CITY, May 27 (PIA) – Negros
Oriental has a big potential to become a top destination for Russian tourists
with its pristine beaches, amazing diving sites, delicious food and hospitable
people.
This was emphasized during a seminar on
Russian lifestyle, culture language held yesterday in a local hotel here. The
event was organized by the Department of Tourism (DOT-7) in cooperation with
the Embassy of Russian Federation in the Philippines.
Dubbed as “Meet Russia,” the event
gathered local tourism stakeholders and taught them on the things they need to
know about Russian tourism market so that they can better serve Russian
tourists.
According to DOT-7 tourism operations
officer Renelyn Villegas, Russians are more into adventure
tourism; activities such as caving, diving and trekking are some of the
things Russians love to do when they visit tropical countries like the
Philippines.
Aside from this, Filipino hospitality
and culture like “Bayanihan” practices are also some of the things that attract
Russians to the Philippines.
When it comes to food, Russians develop
a penchant for local products like cornicks, dried mangoes, lechon and other
pork dishes, seafood and local brands of rum.
On the other hand, Consul Armi Garcia
of the Russian Embassy said Russian market always look for new destinations and
explore other culture.
Garcia sees Negros Oriental as another
dive site for Russians because of the famous Apo Island. Garcia said most of
the Russian tourists are divers and this is the market they looking at to come
to the province.
“They want to explore new site. I’m
proud to say that we have beautiful diving spots in Moalboal (Cebu) and I know
you have something to offer here which is your Apo Island. They have to come,
they need to come (here),” she stressed.
Garcia disclosed plans to cluster Cebu,
Bohol and Negros Oriental as diving destinations for Russian tourists.
She explained Russians take Cebu
as their entry point and then explore neighboring provinces which are Bohol and
Negros Oriental by riding a fast craft.
With this, Consul Garcia cited the role
of tourism stakeholders in making Negros Oriental ready to accommodate Russian
tourists.
Gacia stressed right infrastructure
should be in place. She noted that Russians like to take chartered flights to
their travel destination, thus airports should be complete with facilities
including runway lights.
“There should be a close cooperation
among the DOT, the private sector as well as the national government to make
sure that infrastructure is ready for the influx of tourists,” she added.
Meanwhile, aside from learning Russian
culture and lifestyle, tourism stakeholders like tour operators were also
oriented on what to expect with Russians tourists.
Russian Embassy official Yulia
Alexandrowa emphasized Russians are particular with time and maximize their
visit by going places and learning the local lifestyle. (mbcn/ral/PIA7-Negros
Oriental)