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Why the Philippines is the ideal destination for Indians

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In photo: Department of Tourism Sec. Christina Garcia Frasco attends the 12th Asean-India Tourism Ministers Meeting. SHARED PHOTO

During the 12th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean)-India Tourism Ministers Meeting on Monday, Jan. 20, Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) Sec. Christina Garcia Frasco highlighted the promising growth and potential of tourism relations between the Philippines and India. 

Frasco noted that in 2024, the Philippines welcomed nearly 80,000 Indian visitors, reflecting a more than 12 percent increase compared to the previous year. 

“While this number is smaller relative to our Asean neighbors, it represents significant growth,” Frasco said. 

“We see tremendous potential in India’s outbound tourism market, and we are committed to making the Philippines a top destination for Indian tourists,” she added. 

Frasco elaborated on the diverse experiences the Philippines offers to cater to Indian travelers’ unique preferences: 

“The Philippines offers a diverse array of experiences that cater to the unique preferences of Indian travelers. From our world-class and award-winning beaches, our top dive sites, and rich cultural offerings to our renowned wedding destinations such as Cebu – recognized as Asia’s Leading Wedding Destination by the World Travel Awards – as well as our MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) venues that cater to the Indian market. The Philippine experience harmoniously blends natural beauty with cultural richness, providing Indian tourists with a perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and discovery.” 

She emphasized the vast potential for further growth, citing the Philippine government’s proactive approach to visa liberalization by air and sea. She pointed to initiatives like the Cruise Visa Waiver Program and joint working group meetings with Indian counterparts as examples of this commitment. 

“We have already introduced electronic visas for Indian nationals through the Department of Foreign Affairs. This digital initiative streamlines visa processes, and we aim to further improve the e-visa system’s efficiency under the President’s instructions,” Frasco said. 

She also expressed optimism about the potential for direct flights between the Philippines and India. 

“As we strengthen these connections, we are excited about the possibility of direct flights linking the Philippines and India – a critical development that will open new pathways for tourism, trade, and cultural exchange. We are hopeful that Air India will soon connect Indian cities directly to destinations in the Philippines, including Manila, Boracay, Clark, and Cebu,” she added, referencing efforts by the DOT’s Routes Development Team. 

Frasco underscored sustainable tourism as a cornerstone of the partnership between the Philippines and India, reflecting the two nations’ shared respect for cultural heritage and natural environments. The recent 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and India highlighted the strength of this relationship and the opportunities for future tourism cooperation. 

The DOT secretary also cited the Philippines’ participation in events such as the Outbound Travel Market 2024 in India as evidence of the country’s commitment to engaging with the Indian tourism sector. 

“Together with the Asean-India partnership at the forefront, we can continue to unlock new opportunities for sustainable tourism growth, economic development, and cultural exchange,” she concluded. 

Strengthened tourism ties with India

In a bilateral meeting with India’s Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, held on the sidelines of the Asean Tourism Forum, Frasco reiterated the Philippines’ readiness to sign an implementation program to execute the Memorandum of Cooperation on Tourism, signed in 2019. 

The implementation program would address critical areas, including expanded air connectivity to destinations like Cebu and Clark, exchange programs for travel professionals, and joint marketing promotions to increase tourism flows. 

“Your Excellency, we are very hopeful that through our meeting today and the forthcoming implementation program, we can grow the number of Indian tourists from 79,000 last year and secure a share of the more than 5 million Indian tourists who visited Asean countries in 2024,” Frasco said. 

Minister Shekhawat acknowledged the long-standing relationship between the two nations. 

“India and the Philippines share a deep heritage and cultural ties, in addition to business and other connections,” Shekhawat said. 

“I thank the Philippine side for its initiatives to create more tourism potential between the two countries. I am confident that efforts by both nations will lead to increased tourist inflows. The Philippines deserves a larger share of Indian tourists visiting Asean countries,” he concluded. 

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