Caecent No-ot Magsumbol – The Freeman
August 11, 2025 | 12:00am
CEBU, Philippines — In a bid to position the Philippines as a top-tier wedding destination for Indian travelers, the Department of Tourism (DOT) has spotlighted Cebu in its campaign—leveraging its recognition as Asia’s Leading Wedding Destination by the World Travel Awards.
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco recently met with key players in India’s tourism and hospitality sectors.
On the sidelines of the state visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Frasco underscored Cebu’s unique appeal to Indian couples seeking meaningful, scenic, and culturally rich wedding experiences.
The Indian wedding industry, valued in billions and driven by a young, globally mobile generation, presents a lucrative opportunity for the Philippines.
Ranjit Vig of SKAL India emphasized the importance of destinations with efficient logistics and direct flight access.
Beyond weddings, the DOT is also tapping into the broader Indian travel market, which ranked 13th in arrivals to the Philippines in 2024.
With over 79,000 Indian visitors recorded, the country is now intensifying efforts to attract high-value and luxury travelers through targeted marketing, visa facilitation, and the introduction of direct flights.
Frasco’s engagements also explored expanding MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism, with stakeholders like EaseMyTrip and FICCI expressing interest in the Philippines’ capacity to host large-scale events. (CEBU NEWS)