As part of attempts to avoid being caught in the crossfire, Gulf states have refused to let Israel fly over their airspace for any attack on Iran
world3 days ago
With India being one of the key tourism markets for the Philippines, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has ordered faster e-visa processing for nationals of the South Asian country.
Currently, Indians are still required to make a personal appearance at embassies to get an e-visa and the processing takes about a month, authorities said.
This procedure should be streamlined, Marcos said as he directed that a study be conducted to ease these e-visa transactions.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
“We don’t have any such issues [with India]. So, I’m sure we can use their system,” he said as quoted in a report on the state-run Philippine News Agency (PNA).
Indian tourists stay in the Southeast Asian destination for an average of eight nights and they spend $100 per person per day, said the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) Tourism Sector Group.
Some 78 per cent of them also stay in hotels. "Their activities include shopping, sightseeing, beach holidays, diving, visiting friends and relatives, and investing in business," PSAC said.
In a statement, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said fast-tracking these visas would be a significant step towards increasing arrivals from India.
“The swift and efficient processing of e-visas for Indian visitors will undoubtedly streamline the entry procedures and provide a more welcoming environment for tourists from India,” it said.
Lucio Tan, LT Group president and CEO — and a member of PSAC Tourism Sector Group — suggested that a third-party service provider be tapped to operate the e-visa system.
“This will ensure that the programme is consistently monitored and that any challenges in the process and the system will be immediately [addressed]. This will likewise streamline the application process and thus generate more applications due to the expedite process,” he added.
ALSO READ:
As part of attempts to avoid being caught in the crossfire, Gulf states have refused to let Israel fly over their airspace for any attack on Iran
world3 days ago
She died from complications related to a stroke suffered last week
world3 days ago
It was one of the first engagements Kate has carried out since she began to slowly return to work after ending her course of preventative chemotherapy for cancer
world3 days ago
Ten of 12 US chartered flights from Beirut have arrived in Istanbul carrying 1,025 citizens and immediate family members since October 2
world3 days ago
Ukrainian President is seeking a military and financial boost during a 48-hour trip to London, Paris, Rome and Berlin
world3 days ago
Some 60,000 gallery owners, collectors, influencers and visitors are expected in the British capital until Sunday for the annual event
world3 days ago
Parents welcome reduced stress on students; private tutoring incomes hit by curriculum changes
world3 days ago
US Commerce Secretary Raimondo and British Science and Technology Minister Kyle urge tech platforms to go 'further and faster' to protect children
world3 days ago