Tourism Breaking News
His Excellency Josel F Ignacio, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to India, speaking after the resumption of direct flights between New Delhi and Manila, said that the country has been trying to recover its pre-pandemic tourism numbers. “With visa-free entry for Indian tourists and Air India reviving this route, we are confident of surpassing pre-COVID arrivals and welcoming more Indian friends to our shores.”
In 2019, the Philippines welcomed 130,000 Indian tourists annually, a number that was steadily rising before the pandemic. “We were optimistic that the number would double in the coming years, but COVID happened. From 57,000 arrivals two years ago, we grew to about 78,000 last year, showing significant recovery,” he noted.
His Excellency Ignacio expressed optimism about faster growth ahead. “Now we feel the increase will not just be incremental. We will reach the pre-COVID number sooner because of two enabling factors. First, the Philippines grant of 14-day visa-free entry to Indian tourists. And secondly, thanks to Air India for reviving the New Delhi–Manila route. With these two elements, we are confident we will be welcoming more Indian friends to our shores.”
