Direct flights to the Philippines from India are likely to start by 2018-end to improve the Indian tourism footprint in the country, an official has said.

SanJeet, Tourism Attaché, Philippines Tourism Marketing Office India, who was in the city to facilitate the meeting between tourist agencies in the Philippines and Chennai, told BusinessLine that the agency is in talks with Philippine Air for direct flights from the country. “It is under discussion and the service is likely to start by the year-end,” he added.

“Currently tourists have to fly via Thailand or Singapore. We believe that direct flights will improve tourism to the Philippines,” he added. In 2017, the country saw one lakh tourists from India and this number is growing at 20 per cent a year.

The Philippines, with pricing affordable for Indians, is emerging as a favoured leisure destination with its beaches and a great party place for MICE conferences among Indians. “Lately, the country has been a host to lot of MICE meetings for Indian companies, the last one being 2,500 people from a single company,” SanJeet said.

The Philippines as a wedding destination, especially among Indians residing in South East Asian countries, is also gaining momentum, he added.

SanJeet said that around 10 travel partners from the Philippines would meet around 100 travel agents in Chennai to partner the Philippines tourism agencies to offer customised packages and better logistics and access to less explored places there.

comment COMMENT NOW