More Russian tourists expected as airlines eye direct flights to PH

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines expects an increase in Russian tourist arrivals as more airlines seek approval to operate direct flights from Russia to key destinations in the country, according to a Filipino diplomat.

Philippine Ambassador to Russia Igor Garlit Bailen said Russian travelers are particularly drawn to the Philippines’ beaches.

“Last year, chartered flights for tourists began operating. One of the airlines, IrAero, a Siberian carrier, flies directly from Irkutsk and Khabarovsk in Russia’s Far East to Kalibo, Aklan” Bailen told Palace Press Officer Claire Castro in an interview in Kazan, Russia, on Wednesday.

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READ: Marcos, Putin discuss boosting energy, food security ties

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“And this year… we are just awaiting developments from the Civil Aeronautics Board of the Philippines because S7 Siberian Airlines has applied to resume flights from Siberia, specifically from the cities of Irkutsk, Vladivostok, and Khabarovsk, to Manila and Cebu,” he also said, referring to Russia’s one of the largest airlines.

Bailen said the Philippines is continuously exploring “non-traditional” tourism markets, noting that most foreign visitors currently come from China, South Korea, and the United States.

“The Russian market is there to be tapped. They are interested, and they have the resources because, as we know, compared with people from other countries, Russians spend more on tourism. That’s based on available statistics” he said.

READ: Marcos arrives in Kazan for Asean-Russia summit

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The interview was conducted on the sidelines of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s working visit to Kazan from June 17 to 18 for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean)-Russia Commemorative Summit.

On Wednesday, Marcos and other Asean leaders were personally welcomed by Russian President Vladimir Putin during a gala reception hosted by the Russian leader.

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Marcos and Putin later held a bilateral meeting, during which they discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in food and energy security.

The Philippine president, as chair of this year’s Asean Summits, also invited Putin to attend the East Asia Summit scheduled to be held in Manila in November. /dl

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