The Philippines anticipates an increase in Russian tourists following requests from several Russian airlines to launch direct flights from Russia to major tourism destinations in the country. In an interview with PCO Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, Philippine Ambassador to Russia Igor Garlit Bailen shared this development during a meeting in Kazan, Russia on Tuesday.
Interest in Philippine Destinations
Ambassador Bailen noted that Russian tourists have shown strong interest in Philippine tourist spots. He revealed that last year, Russian airline IrAero started chartered flights to Kalibo, Aklan from the Siberian cities of Irkutsk and Khabarovsk.
Expanding Direct Flights
Bailen expressed optimism that more direct flights from other airlines will be added, allowing more Russian tourists to visit the Philippines and experience the unique hospitality of Filipinos. This initiative is part of the country's strategy to diversify its foreign tourist sources beyond China, South Korea, and the United States.
According to Bailen, Russians have a significant interest in visiting the Philippines, and attracting more of them is crucial due to their substantial contribution to the tourism sector. He also mentioned that Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam are among the top ASEAN destinations for Russian tourists.
