International air travel is on the rise again, with exciting developments promising to connect regions more efficiently. Direct flights between India and the Philippines are anticipated soon, with reports indicating a potential collaboration between Indian airlines such as Air India and IndiGo. Indian Ambassador to the Philippines, Harsh Kumar Jain, confirmed these developments this week, highlighting the government’s commitment to enhancing connections between the two nations.
Philippine Tourism Secretary Maria Esperanza Christina Frasco echoed Jain's statements, noting, “Direct flights between Delhi and Manila are possible this year,” based on the progress of current negotiations. The tourism strategy also prioritizes enhancing connectivity to other destinations, including Cebu and Clark, aiming to attract more Indian visitors.
The Philippines has identified the need to boost tourism from India, especially as arrivals from China have seen declines. To facilitate travel, the country rolled out its e-visa system for Indian tourists last year, streamlining the process for short-term visits. “We are now looking at India and we are working closely together,” said Maria Margarita Nograles, the chief operating officer at the Tourism Promotions Board.
While 2024 projections for Indian visitors to the Philippines indicate around 79,000 arrivals—a 12% increase from 2023—this number remains significantly lower compared to over 4.3 million Indians visiting other Southeast Asian countries. The Philippines aims to position itself as not just another travel destination but also as a wedding and meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) hub for Indian travelers.
Meanwhile, the diplomatic tensions between India and China have eased, leading to the resumption of their air travel, reversing the years of reduced flights between the two nations which had fallen from 539 to zero. This resumption is expected to cater to the significant travel demand between both nations.
Indian carriers are also busy ramping up their flight schedules to accommodate international travelers. Air India recently announced the resumption of its non-stop flights from Delhi to Tel Aviv, scheduled to begin on March 2, 2025. Operating five times weekly, the flights will use the airline's Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, featuring comfortable seating options.
Tel Aviv, known for its vibrant culture and diverse culinary scene, offers visitors insights ranging from historical tours at the Jaffa Port to explorations of its modern architecture. This city, often referred to as the “Startup City,” fosters both business and leisure travel, making it an appealing destination for international travelers.
The growing demand for air travel reflects broader trends as more passengers look to reconnect with loved ones or explore new destinations. Travel agencies and airlines are feeling the heat, with many enhancing their service offerings to attract more passengers. Ixigo, one of the leading travel platforms, noted a significant uptick—as much as 100-150% year-on-year—in bookings for religious tourism sites across India during the just-passed fiscal quarter.
With the COVID-19 pandemic waves subsiding, regions reliant on tourism are optimistic. Goa, for example, remains one of the top leisure destinations, with recent data from MakeMyTrip indicating continuous growth of interest among domestic travelers. The state has even planned collaborations with hospitality giants like Oyo to improve the tourism experience.
Regional competition for Indian tourists is heating up, and there’s no doubt about it. Southeast Asian nations are serious rivals, and the Philippines is taking steps to improve its position through strategic promotions and partnerships. The recent travel statistics show the need to ramp up efforts to entice Indian travelers.
At the same time, musical events like the Coldplay concerts have galvanized urban centers like Mumbai and Ahmedabad, showcasing the potential for concert tourism. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has acknowledged the significance of such events on boosting tourism and urged for enhanced infrastructure and skills development within the sector.
Noida International Airport is also poised for action, with operations expected to kick off this April. The new facility promises to handle 12 million passengers annually during its initial phase, catering to the increasing travel demands.
With these developments, the air travel industry appears to be on the precipice of significant changes, focusing on innovation, resilience, and increased connectivity between India and the world.