Philippines mulls over lifting visa requirement for Indians

Philippines is exploring the possibility of lifting visa requirements for Indians on an experimental basis for 2015-16, apparently aiming to attract more tourists from India.

This was shared by Philippines Tourism Minister Ramon R Jimenez during his meeting with his Indian counterpart Mahesh Sharma here on Thursday.

Jimenez, leading a delegation, called on Sharma and discussed ways to promote two-way exchange in the tourism sector between Philippines and India. “Various issues ranging from connectivity, infrastructure, and hospitality and hotel management education were discussed in the meeting,” the Tourism Ministry said, after the meeting.

At the meeting, Sharma highlighted the steps taken by the India to promote tourism and told Jimenez India had a lot to offer in terms of tourism and culture as well as history.

“He also disclosed that Philippines is exploring the possibility of lifting visa requirements for Indians on an experimental basis for 2015-16. Highlighting the difficulty of connectivity between the two countries, the Philippines Minister urged Sharma to take it up on a priority basis. He also invited the Minister to visit Philippines,” the ministry said.

Both sides discussed ways to promote two-way exchange in the tourism sector.

Sharma assured Jimenez that action will be taken by India “in the areas identified,” the ministry added.