July 04, 2024 - In a move aimed at attracting more Indian tourists, the Philippines is streamlining its e-visa application process. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered a review of the current system, citing its slow processing times as a potential deterrent.
"We don't have any issues with India," President Marcos said during a meeting with the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) Tourism Sector Group. "We're confident we can improve the system."
Currently, Indian nationals applying for an e-visa must visit the Philippine Embassy in New Delhi in person, which can take up to a month. The PSAC recommends partnering with a third-party service provider to establish a fully online application system. This would allow Indian tourists to apply and receive their visas electronically, significantly reducing processing times.
The PSAC emphasizes the economic benefits of Indian tourism. Indian tourists are known to be "repeat visitors" who stay for extended periods (averaging eight nights) and spend more than the average tourist, at roughly $100 per person per day. Their activities contribute to various sectors, including hotels, shopping, sightseeing, and even business investments.
"India's booming economy and growing middle class represent a vast potential for our tourism industry," a PSAC representative stated. "A faster and more convenient e-visa system will make the Philippines a more attractive destination for Indian travelers."
Projections indicate that India's outbound tourism will reach 30 million trips by 2025. By streamlining the e-visa process, the Philippines hopes to tap into this growing market and significantly boost its tourism sector.