The Department of Tourism (DOT) aims to double visitor arrivals from major markets like Australia, Canada, China, Japan, South Korea and the US, while anticipating the implementation of an e-visa system for Indian travelers by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) within the year.
“We hope the DFA will implement the e-visa systems ASAP since we have a target to deliver. We are chasing the 7.7 million [visitor arrivals] by the end of the year,” said Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco at the sidelines of the post-SONA discussions.
The DOT has been advocating for more liberalized visa policies, given the growing trend of e-visa facilitation in the ASEAN region.
Frasco acknowledged the challenge of reaching the 7.7-million target in 2024 without the full opening of the country in terms of seamless entry.
She said among the positive developments that could contribute to the goal are the discussions with the Indian government on visa policies and the successful air talks to explore charter flights and group travel options.
The DOT, in collaboration with the Department of Transportation (DOTr), expects to see an increase in flights from India this year.
Frasco acknowledged the delays in the full implementation of the e-visa system, but said the DOT remained optimistic that the President’s directive for immediate action, as stated in his State of the Nation Address (SONA), would speed up the process.
India, one of the largest travel markets globally, has been identified as a key target. The DOT said the easing visa policies would unlock the significant potential of the market.
The DOT said it also welcomes improvements in e-visa policies for Chinese tourists.
