India eyed as potential tourist market for Cebu

CEBU, Philippines — Aside from Chinese nationals, Indian nationals could also be Cebu’s next potential market if given a good promotional attention.

Hotelier Alfred Reyes, who manages Bai Hotel observed that hotel bookings by Indian nationals have registered an upward trend in the recent months.

“India is promising. It is another big market worth exploring,” Reyes said.

Reyes mentioned the move of the government to ease VISA requirements for big markers such as Indian, as good gesture to capitalize foreign tourists interest to the Philippines. Cebu, as a tourism destination will benefit in any pro-tourism initiatives of the government.

Likewise, economist Wick Veloso projected that Indian tourists will be the next big thing that should be given attention by tourism stakeholders.

Veloso, who is president and chief executive officer of HSBC-Philippines, said that the Philippines will have to be ready for the projected influx of Indian tourists, as direct flights connecting both countries are increasing.

According to Veloso, Indian tourists now highly consider the Philippines, as their get-away destination.

"India looks forward to bringing in more tourists to the Philippines as flights between the two countries improve," said Veloso.

Already, the Department of Tourism (DOT) announced its move to push for friendlier Visa guidelines major markets, particularly China and India.

DOT undersecretary for Tourism Development Planning Benito C. Bengzon Jr., said the agency has been meeting with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Department of Justice to look into the possibilities of implementing friendlier visa guidelines to attract more foreign visitors to visit the country.

Bengzon said DOT specifically sought to facilitate the visa upon arrival (VUA) processing for Indian tourists.

Indian tourists arrivals grew by 15.41 percent to 63,089 in the first half of 2018. (FREEMAN)