Saturday, June 28, 2008 Consul drafts agenda to prepare Cebuanos for Russians’ coming
WITH the expected increase in the number of Russians traveling to tourist destinations like the Philippines, the honorary consul of the Russian Federation urged local stakeholders to participate in her agenda for a holistic tourism program for Cebu.
In agenda, Russian Federation Honorary Consul Armi Garcia stressed the need for “cultural immersion; synergy between tourism and academe; and understanding the relationships between tourism, trade and investment.”
“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 last Wednesday.
The Department of Tourism reported 128-percent increase of Russian tourist arrivals to Cebu in 2007.
“Russians spend more, about $100 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 $2,000,” 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 that they will be able to properly address the needs of Russian tourists.
She stressed that Russians are an educated and adventurous market. Most of them “could be businessmen looking for opportunities in Cebu.”
“I suggest that there will be a permanent one-stop shop for leisure and business, showcasing the products and culture of Cebu,” she said.
“With tourism, there is opportunity for trade. With 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. (NRC)
