Chatto eyes French, Russian markets

The vision of bringing the Philippines , particularly the province of Bohol , in the international tourism map may not be far behind as two of Europe 's biggest tourist markets are here in the province. The French and Russian tour operators are presently here as part of their sustaining efforts to introduce the Philippines and Bohol in particular in their travel and tour programs for their clients.

First District Congressman and House Tourism Committee chairman Edgar M. Chatto hosted a dinner reception for the Russians last night at the Bohol Beach Club, while another welcome reception has been set for the French tonight. With the aim to sell Bohol 's tourist destination to the European market, Chatto considers the visit as an opportunity to personally provide them a better perspective of what Bohol can offer, including updating them with future tourism plans and developments in the province.

“I am positive that this visit will go a long way in highlighting the province's attractions and promoting its potential in the French and Russian markets, which are considered as two of the world's biggest,” Chatto asserted as he eyes a wide range of tourism promotion in tourist-rich continent of Europe. Chatto noted the importance of these huge European markets as over 50 Million tourists from France and Russia spent their holidays abroad last year. The tour is designed to familiarize the tour operators about the province's tourism potentials and development and thereby assist them in featuring the province in their promotional and tour packages.

The familiarization tour is organized by the Department of Tourism Europe Team led Europe Tourism Attache Venus Tan. Governor Erico Aumentado and Provincial Tourism Chair Peter Dejaresco also welcomed the group. With the province's remarkable tourism progress over the recent years and with a wide range of tourism promotion being pushed collaboratively by local leaders, Bohol is without a doubt a choice destination for European holiday makers, Chatto added.

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