A delegation led by the Tourism Minister of Philippines, H.E Mr Ramon R. Jimenez met the Minister of State for Tourism (Independent Charge), Culture (Independent Charge) and Civil Aviation, Dr Mahesh Sharma in New Delhi today. Senior officials of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India were also present. Both sides discussed ways to promote two-way exchange in the tourism sector. Various issues ranging from connectivity, infrastructure, and hospitality and hotel management education were discussed in the meeting.
Dr Mahesh Sharma highlighted the recent steps taken by the Indian government to promote tourism like Visa on Arrival enabled by Electronic Travel Authorisation, addressing issues like cleanliness, safety and security among others. He said that India has a lot to offer in terms of tourism and culture as well as history.
The Philippines Tourism Minister, Mr Ramon R. Jimenez said that Philippines has a lot to offer in the area of Human Resource Development because of the presence of several good institutes of tourism, hospitality, restaurant and hotel management institutes for collaboration with India. He also disclosed that Philippines is exploring the possibility of lifting visa requirements for Indians on an experimental basis for 2015-16. Highlighting the difficulty of connectivity between the two countries, the Philippines Minister urged Dr Sharma to take it up on a priority basis. He also invited the Minister to visit Philippines. Winding up the discussion. Dr Mahesh Sharma assured that action will be taken by Government of India in the areas identified.