The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines showcased the country’s top travel destinations at the Outbound Travel Market (OTM) 2025 in Mumbai, India, from January 30 to February 1. Over the three-day event, the Philippine delegation generated PHP ₱86,297,000 in partial sales leads, with more expected in the coming days.
Key discussions focused on the strong demand among Indian travelers for beaches, shopping, vibrant nightlife, and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions). The Philippine booth highlighted popular destinations like Boracay, Palawan, Cebu, and Manila, receiving positive feedback and winning an OTM Excellence Award for Best Decoration.
In 2024, over five million Indian tourists visited ASEAN countries, underscoring the importance of increasing the Philippines’ share of this market. TPB COO Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles emphasized that OTM 2025 provided a crucial platform to strengthen the Philippines’ position in the growing Indian outbound tourism sector. “The strong turnout and enthusiasm from Indian travel stakeholders affirm our confidence in substantial growth in Indian arrivals in the coming years,” she said.
The Philippine delegation also received support from Consul ad honorem R. Swaminathan and Vice Consul a.h. S. Krishnamoorthy, highlighting the importance of enhancing the Philippines’ presence in India.
Held in India’s financial capital, OTM is strategically important, as it serves as a key exit point for travelers from the West and South Indian markets, which account for over 60% of the country’s outbound tourism. With India’s outbound tourism booming, the Philippines is working on initiatives like electronic visas for Indian nationals and expanding air connectivity. Plans are also underway for direct flights between India and the Philippines, with Air India expected to operate routes between Delhi and Manila.
The TPB led a 13-member delegation, including the Department of Tourism Central Luzon and Clark Development Corporation, to OTM 2025. The delegation also participated in the Philippines Roadshow 2025, a series of promotional events held in Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and Bangalore from February 3 to 7.
