The Philippines is actively working to strengthen its tourism relationship with India, focusing on expanding air connectivity, simplifying visa processes, and promoting tourism exchanges. The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) has committed to implementing a tourism cooperation agreement with India, which aims to enhance travel between the two countries.
For Indian travelers considering a Philippines visa for Indians, these developments could make travel more accessible. Additionally, as the Philippines seeks to attract more Indian tourists, it may be included in the future list of visa free countries for Indians.
Expansion of air connectivity between India and the Philippines
The Philippines is prioritizing direct air connectivity between Indian cities and major Philippine destinations to increase tourist arrivals. At present, most Indian travelers rely on connecting flights through other Southeast Asian countries.
During a recent meeting with India’s Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Philippine Tourism Secretary Christina Fresco emphasized the need for direct flights from India to key Philippine cities. The government is hopeful that Air India will soon launch direct routes to:
- Manila
- Cebu
- Clark
- Boracay
By improving air connectivity, the Philippines aims to increase Indian tourist arrivals, making travel between the two countries more convenient and affordable.
Implementation of the memorandum of cooperation on tourism
The Philippines and India signed a memorandum of cooperation on tourism in 2019, but it has not yet been fully implemented. Now, the DOT is ready to sign an implementation program that includes:
- Coordinated marketing campaigns to promote Indian tourism in the Philippines.
- Special tour packages for Indian travelers, including wedding and business tourism.
- Strengthened business-to-business (B2B) tourism relations to facilitate partnerships.
Current state of Indian tourism in the Philippines
Despite India being a major source of outbound travelers in Southeast Asia, only 79,000 Indian tourists visited the Philippines in 2024, compared to five million who travelled to other Southeast Asian countries.
To bridge this gap, the Philippines has introduced electronic visas for Indian nationals and is working on increasing awareness of the country’s tourism offerings. The Philippine government is also taking part in joint working groups and business meetings with Indian tourism representatives.
Philippines’ strategy to attract Indian tourists
The Philippines is positioning itself as an attractive destination for Indian travelers by promoting its:
- Pristine beaches and islands such as Boracay and Palawan.
- World-class diving and adventure tourism opportunities.
- Cultural heritage sites that resonate with Indian visitors.
- Premium wedding destinations such as Cebu.
- MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) facilities for business travelers.
Tourism Secretary Christina Fresco emphasized that the Philippines is eager to increase its share of Indian tourists, especially as it seeks to recover from the decline in Chinese tourist arrivals.
Potential changes to visa policies
Currently, Indian travelers require a visa to visit the Philippines. However, as part of the efforts to strengthen tourism ties, the Philippines is exploring the possibility of relaxing visa rules for Indian tourists.
Countries such as Thailand and Malaysia have already introduced visa-free entry for Indians, leading to a sharp rise in Indian tourist numbers. The Philippines may consider similar measures by either:
If these changes are implemented, Indian travellers will find it much easier to visit the Philippines for tourism, business, and special events.
Challenges to increasing Indian tourism in the Philippines
While the Philippines is eager to attract more Indian tourists, several challenges remain:
- Lack of direct flights: With limited direct flights between major Indian cities and the Philippines, most travelers must take connecting flights via Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, or Singapore, increasing travel time and costs.
- Limited awareness: Many Indian travelers are unfamiliar with the Philippines as a travel destination, often choosing more well-known spots like Thailand and Malaysia.
- Competition from neighboring countries: Southeast Asian destinations such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore have strong marketing campaigns, well-established tourism infrastructure, and direct air connectivity, making them more attractive.
Steps being taken to overcome these challenges
To address these barriers, the Philippines is:
- Running marketing campaigns in India: The Philippine Department of Tourism is increasing its presence in India through digital marketing, trade shows, and promotional events to highlight the country’s unique attractions.
- Partnering with Indian travel agencies: By collaborating with travel agencies, the Philippines is creating customized tour packages to cater to Indian travelers’ preferences, including honeymoon packages, adventure tours, and cultural experiences.
- Improving travel policies: The Philippines is working to streamline visa processes, making it easier for Indian tourists to apply and receive approvals faster. Discussions on expanding e-visa options and simplifying documentation requirements are also underway.
These initiatives aim to make the Philippines a more accessible and attractive destination for Indian travelers in the coming years.
Conclusion
The Philippines is taking proactive steps to increase Indian tourist arrivals by improving connectivity, simplifying visas, and promoting tourism exchanges. With direct flights, easier visa access, and targeted marketing efforts, Indian travelers will soon find it much more convenient to visit the Philippines.
For those planning a trip, staying informed about updates on the Philippines visa for Indians and potential changes in visa free countries for Indians will be crucial. As tourism cooperation between the two countries strengthens, Indian travelers can expect smoother travel experiences and greater opportunities to explore the Philippines.
