A New Era of India–Philippines Tourism Begins

The Philippines has taken a bold and strategic step to attract more Indian travellers by announcing visa-free entry for Indian tourists and introducing direct Air India flights from Delhi to Manila after a gap of ten years. This dual move aims to boost tourism, strengthen cultural ties, and enhance economic collaboration between the two nations.

According to Philippines Ambassador to India, Jose F. Ignacio, the initiative marks a new chapter in bilateral relations. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Ignacio emphasized that the combination of visa-free travel and convenient flight connectivity is expected to significantly increase the number of Indian visitors to the island nation.

Ambassador Ignacio declared, “We are prepared to welcome you with our visa-free policy for Indian tourists and the reopening of direct flights between India and the Philippines after a decade.”

Direct Flights Resume After a Decade

Air India’s much-anticipated Delhi–Manila direct flight resumed operations on October 1, marking the return of the route after a decade-long hiatus. The re-launch of this direct connection is not only expected to make travel easier but also to foster business and cultural exchange between the two nations.

Ambassador Ignacio highlighted the importance of this development:

“The convenience of a direct connection will make a real difference to travel plans. This ease of travel means you do not lose a day in transit. It’s a major incentive for more Indians to visit the Philippines.”

The resumption of direct flights is a game-changer for Indian tourists who previously had to transit through Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or Bangkok to reach Manila. With the new route, the travel time has been reduced to approximately six and a half hours, making it much more convenient for travellers, especially those planning short trips or business visits.

Visa-Free Entry: A Game-Changer for Indian Travellers

Since June 2025, Indian citizens have been allowed to visit the Philippines visa-free for up to 14 days. The initiative is designed to encourage spontaneous travel and boost the Philippines’ appeal as a holiday destination among Indian tourists.

Under this policy, Indian travellers with valid visas from countries like the United States, Japan, Australia, Canada, Schengen nations, Singapore, or the UK can enter the Philippines without obtaining a separate visa. The rule aims to simplify travel processes, reduce waiting times, and attract a new wave of tourists from one of Asia’s fastest-growing outbound travel markets.

According to Ambassador Ignacio, the Philippines is determined to make Indian tourists feel welcome:

“Our visa-free entry combined with direct flights is a signal — the Philippines is open, ready, and eager to host Indian visitors.”

Surge in Travel Interest Among Indian Tourists

The policy shift has already started to show tangible results. As per visa-processing platform Atlys, travel searches from India to the Philippines jumped by 28 percent within a week of the visa-free rule’s announcement. Before this change, the Philippines ranked eighth among Southeast Asian destinations searched by Indian travellers. Now, it has climbed rapidly up the charts, signaling a clear surge in curiosity and intent among Indian tourists.

This newfound enthusiasm reflects India’s growing appetite for beach destinations, adventure tourism, and cultural experiences — all of which the Philippines offers in abundance. With over 7,000 islands, pristine white beaches, vibrant festivals, and world-renowned diving spots, the country is poised to become a preferred travel hotspot for Indians looking for alternatives to Thailand, Bali, or the Maldives.

The Strategic Importance of Strengthening India–Philippines Ties

Tourism is more than just leisure; it’s a bridge between nations. The Philippines’ move aligns with its broader strategy to deepen relations with India, particularly in areas of trade, business, and cultural exchange. The resumption of flights and visa-free travel is expected to enhance people-to-people connections and encourage greater collaboration in sectors such as education, information technology, and tourism infrastructure.

Both nations are also working together on strengthening their maritime and defense cooperation, with tourism serving as a soft-power extension of diplomacy. The Philippines government believes that attracting more Indian visitors will not only boost its tourism revenue but also showcase the warmth and hospitality of Filipino culture.

Why the Philippines is Targeting Indian Tourists

India has emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing sources of outbound tourism. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), over 27 million Indians traveled abroad in 2024, and this number is expected to double by 2030. With rising disposable incomes and a growing middle class seeking international travel experiences, the Philippines sees a tremendous opportunity in tapping into this market.

The Philippines Department of Tourism has been actively promoting destinations like Boracay, Cebu, Palawan, and Bohol — all known for their scenic beauty and adventure offerings. The government is also investing in tourism infrastructure, sustainable resorts, and improved air connectivity to accommodate the expected influx of visitors from India.

Air India’s Role in Boosting Connectivity

Air India’s reintroduction of the Delhi–Manila route plays a pivotal role in this tourism push. The direct flight, which operates four times a week, offers seamless connectivity and eliminates the hassle of layovers. For both leisure and business travellers, this is a major convenience.

The route is also expected to encourage Filipino travellers and business professionals to visit India, fostering a two-way exchange. This development complements India’s “Act East” policy, which emphasizes stronger relations with Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines.