MANILA – The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Monday said a “promising” growth in the number of Indian visitors to the country was observed in 2024, indicating potential tourism relations between the Philippines and India.

During the 12th ASEAN-India Tourism Ministers Meeting, DOT Secretary Christina Frasco said the Philippines welcomed nearly 80,000 Indian visitors in 2024, 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," she said.

Frasco said Indian travelers would enjoy the country's world-class and award-winning beaches, dive sites, and wedding destinations, such as Cebu, which has been awarded as Asia's Leading Wedding Destination by the World Travel Awards.

"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," she said.

"We are hopeful that Air India will soon connect Indian cities directly to destinations in the Philippines that include Manila, Boracay, Clark, and Cebu.” (PNA)