The country is eyeing India as a potential market for tourism following a decline in Chinese arrivals due to stricter visa policies, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said.

The Department of Tourism (DoT) reported that arrivals from India only reached around 300,000 due to restrictions imposed by the DFA.

“For the Indian market, in preparation for the influx of tourists, we have already conducted joint working meetings with them and presented business missions there, together with our private tourism stakeholders, to facilitate business-to-business (B2B) engagements,” Frasco added.

However, visas and limited flight connectivity remain significant barriers to the entry of Indian visitors. The tourism secretary stated that a liberalized visa policy would help boost Indian tourist numbers.

Visa efficiency must improve

“We hope that the DFA carries out the president’s instructions to ensure that the efficiency and effectiveness of the electronic visa system is improved and that the connectivity to the Philippines is increased through more direct flights from various cities in India to different destinations in the Philippines.”

Meanwhile, flights from India are expected to begin in the first half of 2025, pending Air India’s compliance with documentary and regulatory requirements set by Philippine aviation authorities.