Russian Ambassador to the Philippines Igor Khovaev paid a courtesy visit on Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon, Jr. at the Provincial Capitol yesterday, where he noted local food would be a major draw for Russian tourists.

He noted, Russians travel for longer periods of time, are accompanied by family, respect local history, and spent a lot of money.

Khovaev said, while over 20 million Russian tourists travel the world every year, noting more than one million visit Thailand, about 40,000 make their way to the Philippines. In addition, according to local data, around 5,303 Russian tourists visited Negros Occidental last year.

In an effort to boost tourism, the envoy invited the governor to participate in a tourism fair and exhibition in Russia./WDJ