Western Visayas fares well in ‘leisure and wellness fair’ in Russia

ILOILO CITY, Oct. 9 (PNA)-– The Department of Tourism here took pride in the good showing of Western Visayas delegates to the Leisure and Wellness Fair held in Russia recently.

Tourism Regional Director Edwin Trompeta said the experience was “very educational, productive and enlightening for the private sector property owners or representatives.”

Along with Trompeta, the region was represented by five premier resorts and one wellness spa in Boracay Island to the annual international travel fair that was also a selling mission for tourism destinations.

Trompeta said about 130 countries worldwide participated in the event.

“The more than 30 private sector property owners (from the Philippines) who went there practically met not only their quota (for sales) but even beyond it,” Trompeta enthused.

Delegates travelled to Moscow, Kosovo and Vladivostok to showcase their different destinations to the Russian market, whom Trompeta described as “rich”.

He said Russia is a very good market, although they are seasonal tourists, having only vacations during winter.

“The Russians have money to spend. Their lifestyle showed they’re ready for the (tourism) market,” he said.

Trompeta noted that through the years, Russian tourists have been increasing and registering as one of the highest arrivals in the country.

Tourism Assistant Regional Director Helen Camarista-Catalbas meanwhile said, participating in international travel fairs such as the one in Russia means a lot to the tourism industry in the region since Western Visayas is a resort destination.

“Wellness and spa centers are also flourishing here, as well as our natural attractions,” Catalbas added.