DOT strengthens ties with Indian colleagues

MANILA , Philippines — The Department of Tourism (DOT) and Ministry of Tourism Government of the Republic of India recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to encourage bilateral cooperation in the tourism, trade, and hospitality sector.

DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo–Puyat and Ambassador of India to the Philippines Jaideep Mazumdar acted as signatories to the MOU that seeks to strengthen the economic and cultural ties between the two countries, realizing the importance of the tourism sector in economic development and employment generation.

“We look forward to fostering a healthier relationship with our Indian counterparts through this sharing of ideas, best practices and our advocacy of sustainable tourism,” Secretary Puyat said.

Among the cooperation areas between the two countries include research and statistical exchange, education and training, and joint promotion and marketing.

For the first eight months of the year, India remains the 11th top source market of the country with 91,690 arrivals registering a 9.66 percent growth rate over the same period last year.

The five–year MoU addresses cooperation activities carried out through the following modalities: encouragement of mutual visits;, exchange of promotion, marketing, destination development and management experiences; exchange of official standards and certification practices; development of tour packages; and, closer cooperation between the respective public and private sectors. (TOURISM.GOV.PH)