Easier Cebu-Russia connectivity pushed

Easier access to Russia from Cebu is now being pushed to entice young travelers to experience winter in eastern Russia.

Armie L. Garcia, Russian Federation honorary Consul said that her office is now working closely with the Department of Tourism (DOT) to draw up strategies on encouraging airline companies to mount direct flights to Russia, especially in the eastern side.

Garcia said the young bunch now, or the working millenials, are adventurous and for Filipinos, “winter” attraction is appealing.

There are a lot of exciting activities under the snow, which Filipino tourists would love to experience, such as snow fishing, skiing, among others, she added.

Garcia also said that she will encourage Russian travel operators to create activities designed for Filipino tourists.

Localities in the Russian Far Eastern side include; Khabarovsk. Vladivostok, Yakutsk, Komsomolsk-on-Amur, YuzhnoSakhalinsk, PetropavlovskKamchatsky, Ussuriysk and Nakhodka.

Airline companies can also partner with Russian travel agencies to develop programs that will lure more Russian tourists to come to the Philippines, specifically Cebu.

Likewise, Garcia reiterated that her office’s partnership with DOT would also help improve the Russian arrivals to the Philippines.

“We have to develop interest in both sides [Philippines and Russia],” stressed Garcia.

DOT-7 regional director Shalimar Tamano said he already had initial meetings with Garcia, and part of the partnership is to organize meeting with tour guides in Cebu and other provinces in Central Visayas to refresh their expertise in handling Russian tourists.