A tourism delegation from the Philippines arrived in India recently, to discuss future cooperation between the two countries.

The Philippines’ Tourism Minister, Ramon Jimenez Jr, met with his Indian counterpart, Dr Mahesh Sharma, in Delhi. Issues on the table included ways of improving air connectivity between the two countries, and education in the hospitality sector.

According to India’s Ministry of Tourism, Jiminez revealed that the Philippines is exploring the possibility of lifting visa requirements for Indian tourists “on an experimental basis” for 2015-16.

He also highlighted the difficulty of travelling between the two countries, due to a lack of direct flights, an urged Dr Sharma “to take it up on a priority basis”. The Indian minister was also invited to visit the Philippines.

Meanwhile, Dr Mahesh Sharma highlighted the recent steps taken by the Indian government to promote tourism, such as the new electronic visa-on-arrival scheme and moves to improve the safety of tourists in India.