Consulate, DOT to promote Phl via Russian social media

The Consulate of the Russian Federation in the Philippines will work with the Department of Tourism (DOT) in tapping a social media channel in Russia to entice more Russian tourists to visit the country.

Armi L. Garcia, honorary Consul of the Russian Federation in the Philippines, said there is a need for the Philippines to maximize its potential to attract the high-spender Russian travelers. She said promoting the Philippines through social media in Russia is seen to generate good feedback.

"The Russian consulate as well as the Philippine-Russian Business Assembly are helping the Tourism Promotions Board and the DOT promote Philippine tourism in the Russian social media, this is still in the pipeline. Let’s see what happens," said Garcia in an interview.

The Philippines, despite its beautiful tropical environment, still lags behind Vietnam and Indonesia in terms of hosting Russian tourists.

Garcia said while these two countries (Vietnam and Indonesia) registered an average of a million Russian tourists a year, the Philippines only reached 50,000 Russian arrivals last year.

This statistic is quite a challenge for the Philippines, considering that Vietnam and Indonesia have similar tropical comeons.

No doubt, the Philippines will capture the interest of more Russian tourists, if the country will be promoted well there. Thus, tapping the social media is one of the least expensive, yet highly effective channels.

"We are working hard in increasing inbound tourists here in the Philippines, most particularly in Cebu because we are proud of our islands," added Garcia.

Meanwhile, Garcia noted that the six-month closure of the high-profile Boracay Island should be used as an opportunity for the other 7,000 and more islands in the country to be highlighted.

"Our island destination branding is not affected because we have over 7,000 islands this is an opportunity for other players and other islands," said Garcia.