The Philippinne’s Department of Tourism stated that the upcoming implementation of the electronic visa (e-visa) for temporary visitors would “hold the promise of recovering the Chinese market and opening up to the Indian market.”
The Department of Foreign Affairs announced that it will soft-launch the pilot implementation of the e-visa system for Chinese nationals in the Philippine foreign service posts in China on August 24.
The e-visa system, which aims to enhance convenience and accessibility for foreign nationals, allows international travellers who are visiting the country for tourism or business to apply for temporary visitors visas through their mobile devices and personal computers.
This system will also be implemented among Indian nationals by the end of this year.
Tourism Secretary Cristina Frasco welcomed this implementation saying it would improve the experience of foreign visitors. She also said it can have a positive impact on revitalising the Philippine industry.
The DOT said “e-visa is also considered as one of the windows that could raise the confidence of airlines, charter operators, and travel agents to resume flights from various points in China directly to tourist destinations in the Philippines such as Boracay, Bohol, Cebu, Legaspi, Clark, Laoag, Lallo, and Manila due to the projected ease and increase in visa processing.”
But those are just some of the astonishing tourist destinations the Philippines have to offer. For instance, the Puerto Princesa Underground River is among the most visited tourist spots and was voted one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. In addition, Vigan is one of the New7Wonders Cities.
“We are confident that the implementation of the e-visa system will encourage more Chinese and new Indian visitors to explore the wonders of our archipelago, creating unforgettable experiences and lasting memories that will certainly make them love the Philippines as a top-of-the-mind tourist destination,” Frasco said.