Tourism chief blends culture, commerce in India tourism strategy
By Trixee Rosel
At A Glance
- DOT Secretary Frasco is in India to strengthen tourism cooperation.
- She is engaging Indian business, airline, and creative industry leaders.
- The visit marks 75 years of Philippines-India diplomatic ties.
Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco is pursuing a multifaceted tourism strategy that bridges cultural exchange and commercial collaboration by engaging India’s business, aviation, and creative industries during her official visit.
She is part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s delegation to New Delhi, where high-level meetings with Indian business leaders, airline executives, and cultural agencies are expected to enhance tourism cooperation.
Frasco is set to meet with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) to present tourism investment opportunities and promote inbound travel to the Philippines.
She will also hold talks with Air India and IndiGo executives to push for direct flights and increased seat capacity, aiming to improve connectivity between the two countries.
Discussions with hotel groups, resort operators, and travel firms will focus on route development, tour packaging, and market expansion across major Indian cities.
To complement these efforts, Frasco will engage with the National Film Development Corporation Limited (NFDC) to promote Philippine destinations through Indian cinema.
“The Department of Tourism has placed strategic focus on the Indian market, recognizing its vast potential, enhancing connectivity and visa facilitation, promoting travel experiences for Indian tourists, positioning the Philippines as a preferred destination, and creating more employment and livelihood opportunities for our fellow Filipinos,” Frasco said.
The visit also marks 75 years of Philippines-India diplomatic ties, highlighted by the Philippines’ move to grant visa-free entry to Indian nationals to boost tourism and economic exchanges.