Manila: The Department of Tourism (DOT) is eager to implement a tourism deal with India, which will cover the expansion of air connectivity not just to Manila but also to Cebu, Clark, and other gateways. Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco conveyed this during a bilateral meeting with her Indian counterpart, Tourism and Culture Minister Shri Gajendar Singh Shekhawat, on the sidelines of the ASEAN-India Tourism Ministers Meeting in Malaysia on Jan. 20.
According to Philippines News Agency, the DOT is ready to sign an implementation program to execute the Memorandum of Cooperation on Tourism that was signed between India and the Philippines in 2019. The program will cover critical areas such as the expansion of air connectivity as well as joint marketing promotions to elicit mutual increase in tourism flows.
About five million Indian nationals traveled to Southeast Asia in 2024, but only around 79,000 went to the Philippines. To capture this market, the Philippines earlier launched electronic visas for Indian nationals and is currently working to boost connectivity with the possibility of direct flights. The government, Frasco said, also actively participates in joint working group meetings and business-to-business interactions with Indian counterparts.
At the ASEAN-India meet, Frasco expressed hope that Air India will soon connect Indian cities directly to destinations in the Philippines, including Manila, Boracay, Clark, and Cebu. Shekhawat recognized the shared heritage between India and the Philippines, thanking the Southeast Asian nation for its initiatives to create more tourism potential between the two states.
Frasco emphasized Manila's commitment to making the Philippines a top destination for Indian tourists, especially as the country recalibrates amid low arrivals from its top source market, China. She highlighted the Philippines' offerings, which cater to the unique preferences of Indian travelers, from world-class beaches and dive sites to cultural offerings and renowned wedding destinations such as Cebu.
Frasco concluded by stating that the Philippine experience blends natural beauty with cultural richness, providing Indian tourists with a mix of relaxation, adventure, and discovery.
