PH upbeat on India tourism

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MANILA, Philippines —  The government is seeing a “promising growth and future potential of tourism” between the Philippines and India, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said during the 12th ASEAN-India Tourism Ministers Meeting on Monday.

Frasco said that in 2024, the Philippines welcomed nearly 80,000 Indian visitors, marking an over 12 percent growth compared to the previous year.

“While this number is smaller relative to our ASEAN neighbors, it represents significant growth. We see tremendous potential in India’s outbound tourism market, and we are committed to making the Philippines a top destination for Indian tourists,” said Frasco.

He also said that the Philippines offers a “diverse array” of experiences that cater to the “unique preferences” of Indian travelers.

Supporting her remarks, she said the potential for “further expansion” is clear, now with the Philippines’ proactive approach to visa liberalization by air and sea.

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This is exemplified by the successful launch of the Cruise Visa Waiver Program and active participation in joint working group meetings and business-to-business interactions with Indian counterparts.

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“We have already initially instituted the introduction of electronic visas for Indian nationals by the Department of Foreign Affairs. This digital initiative streamlines visa processes, and we look to make the efficiency of the operations of the e-Visa system even better under our President’s instructions,” said Frasco.

“As we strengthen these connections, we are also excited about the possibility of direct flights linking the Philippines and India, a critical development that will open up 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 that include Manila, Boracay, Clark, and Cebu,” she added.