Cebu-based agency flies in Russian travel agentsa

TO EXPERIENCE what the region can offer as a vacation destination, a Cebu-based travel agency flew in 15 Russian travel agents.

In an interview with Sun.Star Cebu, Nikita Osharov, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Pelagos Tours and Travel, said, “Russian people don’t know much about the Philippines and to increase their awareness of the country and its people, we invited them to come here.”

Pelagos is a Cebu-based travel agency that caters to Russian tourists who visit the country.

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The 15 travel agents, who represent travel agencies in Russia, arrived in Cebu on Monday as part of their familiarization tour of the Philippines.

On their first day in Cebu, the travel agents went to Kawasan Falls in Matutinao, Badian, which is deemed to be one of the most popular getaway destinations in southern Cebu.

The travel agents also went to the province’s hotels such as the Imperial Palace, Badian Resort and Spa, Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa and Hilton Hotel, to check their facilities.

Aside from Cebu, the Russian travel agents also went to Manila, visited Taal Volcano, Bohol and Boracay.

“The fam tour will make them relay better information to their clients thus inviting more Russians to visit the country,” Osharov said.

Osharov said he wants to show Russians that the Philippines is one of the best destinations for them.

According to a study by the Department of Tourism in 2008, Russians favor beach holidays in tropical environments.