Philippines, Palau Seen Tapping into Connectivity Synergies to Capture Indian Outbound Tourism

Philippine Ambassador-Designate Ignacio welcoming Palau Honorary Consul General Neeraj A. Sharma. (New Delhi PE photo)

NEW DELHI 16 February 2024 – Philippine Ambassador-Designate to India Josel F. Ignacio welcomed Mr.Neeraj Sharma, Honorary Consul General of the Republic of Palau to India on 09 February 2024. 

Consul General Sharma called to welcome the Ambassador-Designate to New Delhi and to exchange views on topics of mutual interest to the Philippines and Palau, especially synergies accruing from their respective initiatives with India.

With Indian travelers rising to the global top 5 in terms of outbound tourists, discussions brought to the fore the tourism symbiosis inherent in the two countries’ close geographic proximity, and Manila’s role as key air gateway to Koror.

Capturing the Indian traveler market are priorities for the Philippines and Palau, where tourism are key economic drivers. The revival of direct Philippine-Indian air linkages was seen as the crucial game changer toward driving Indian travel to both countries.

Even as both countries tout stunning seascapes and tropical beach destinations, both sides see Palau-bound Indians treating the Philippines as more than a transit point. The Philippines’ urban, retail and medical tourism were seen as additional draws for Indians.

Both sides agreed to sustain their exchange of ideas in support of larger bilateral relations. Palau has an Embassy in Manila, while the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo is accredited to Koror. END 

Third Secretary (Political Affairs) Dizon (left), Ambassador-Designate Ignacio (center), and Honorary Consul General Sharma (right). (New Delhi PE photo)

For more information, visit https://www.newdelhipe.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/Philippine-Embassy-in-India-348528665275556/