Tourism execs promote PHL in Russia

Hoping to boost the country's international image to travelers, the Department of Tourism brought a taste of the Philippines to the biggest autumn trade fair in the Russian Federation. In a news release, the Philippine Embassy in Moscow reported that the DOT—accompanied by 23 industry partners from 15 Philippine travel companies— participated in the Otdykh Leisure Fair held at the Crocus Exhibition Center in Moscow from September 21 to 24. During the fair, the Tourism department launched a “travel business interaction activity" that will strengthen its ties with Russian tour operators and their travel agents. In turn, seven Russian tour operators—all actively promoting the Philippines to Russia and countries at the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)—presented their travel programs at the mini-theater within the Philippine booth. The presentations included an overview of the Philippines, as well as the launch of the latest edition of the Philippine guidebook. Philippines’ best During the fair, visitors of the Philippine booth got a dose of the Philippine rum and a taste of some Filipino dishes. They also joined informative games and a raffle draw. After the Otdykh fair, the Philippine delegation went to St. Petersburg for a “tourism selling mission," where 17 industry partners from 12 travel industry companies participated in a workshop and table-top one-on-one meetings. Meanwhile, Filipiniana creations of Pinay designer Cora Manimbo were featured at the Asia Pacific Women’s Group Fashion Show for a Cause last Sept. 23. The Asia-Pacific Women’s Group “is an informal group of ladies from 21 Asia Pacific countries" that aims to develop a better understanding through cultural exchanges. Members of the group are sponsored by wives of the ambassadors from countries across the region. ‘Discovery of the Year’ According to Philippine Ambassador to Moscow Victor Garcia III, the country’s participation in the fair “is proof that the Philippines has become an important tourist destination for the Russian traveler." The country has become a favorite destination among Russian tourists, who extend their stay in Philippine resorts, he added. Last year, the country was also named “Discovery of the Year" by Travel.ru, the leading travel, tourism, and cultural website in Russia. Boracay, meanwhile, won as “Best Island Resort" and “Best Resort Destination in Southeast Asia." - VVP, GMA News