Latest news with #GauravMalik
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Business Standard
5 days ago
- Business Standard
Indians can enter Philippines visa-free for 14 days: All you need to know
The Philippines has now made it easier than ever for Indian travellers to visit. Under a new travel rule from the Philippine Bureau of Immigration, Indian passport holders with certain foreign visas or residency permits can now enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 14 days. And if you're having too much fun? You can even extend your stay by another 7 days. Who can travel visa-free? If you're an Indian citizen who already holds a valid visa or permanent residency from any of these countries: United States Japan Also Read Australia Canada Schengen Area countries Singapore United Kingdom …then you don't need to apply for a visa to enjoy a short trip to the Philippines! What you need to qualify? Before you pack your bags, make sure you have the following: Your Indian passport (valid for at least 6 more months after you arrive) A valid AJACSSUK visa or PR card A return or onward ticket No history of immigration violations or issues with the Philippines Bureau of Immigration You'll be allowed to stay for 14 days, with the option to extend for 7 more days, making it a total of 21 days max. Pro Tip: This visa-free entry applies at international airports, major ports, and even for cruise passengers — so whether you're flying or sailing, you're covered. Don't Forget Health & Travel Requirements Although the visa requirement is waived, you'll still need to follow the Philippines' current COVID-related protocols — including vaccination rules, health declarations, and any quarantine requirements if applicable. Be sure to check: Department of Health Philippine Bureau of Immigration "The Philippines' decision to grant visa-free entry to Indian travellers is a really positive move, which recognizes India as a key market for tourism. The move also reflects Indian travellers' growing interest in Southeast Asia as a whole. Time and again we have seen how removing friction at the border can play an important role in encouraging more visitors. This is set to further boost demand for the Philippines as a top travel choice," said Gaurav Malik, Country Director India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal at Agoda. Digital Nomad Visa: The Philippines plans to introduce a digital nomad visa, allowing remote professionals to live and work in the country. This initiative aims to attract long-term visitors and remote workers. Since 28 October 2024, the Philippine electronic visa (e-Visa) has been made fully available in India and can be applied for online at the 24/7 portal
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Time of India
Chennai Slow Travel: Agoda names Chennai as India's leading slow-travel destination, ET TravelWorld
Advt By , ETTravelWorld Join the community of 2M+ industry professionals Subscribe to our newsletter to get latest insights & analysis. Download ETTravelWorld App Get Realtime updates Save your favourite articles Scan to download App Digital travel platform Agoda has identified Chennai as India's pre-eminent city for 'slow travel', a style of tourism defined by longer stays and lingering exploration rather than checklist sightseeing. Analysing average booking durations across nine Asian markets, Agoda found that travellers who favour an unhurried pace are now spending the most nights in Rayong (Thailand), Kalegowa (Indonesia), Seoul (South Korea), Tokyo (Japan), Nha Trang (Vietnam), Boracay Island (Philippines), Taipei (Taiwan), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) and, within India, edged out Mumbai and Bengaluru for the longest domestic stays. Agoda attributes the city's appeal to its combination of cultural depth, coastal setting and thriving arts scene, which reward travellers willing to pause and absorb local life. 'In today's fast-paced world, slow travel encourages visitors to genuinely engage with the destinations they explore,' said Gaurav Malik, Country Director for India, Sri Lanka and Nepal at Agoda. 'Our data show Indian guests are increasingly trading whirlwind weekends for richer, more meaningful experiences.'The analysis also reveals an outward trend: Indian travellers heading overseas are choosing Seoul for extended breaks, drawn by a blend of heritage districts, contemporary culture and efficient public transport that lends itself to leisurely discovery. Across the region, beach towns and capital cities alike are benefitting from a mindset that values connection over observers say the shift has been brewing since the pandemic, when work-from-anywhere policies and flexible bookings normalised longer stays. For hoteliers and destination marketers the pattern translates into higher length-of-stay metrics and a chance to spread visitor spending beyond core tourist corridors. Chennai's Marina Beach promenade, for instance, is seeing greater weekday footfall from domestic guests stretching weekends into working has responded by spotlighting accommodation options and experiences suited to unhurried itineraries, while reminding partners that travellers equate slow travel with authenticity rather than luxury. Malik believes the momentum will build: 'Destinations that enable visitors to move at their own rhythm—whether that means a cooking class in Mylapore or a languid evening on a Rayong pier—stand to gain loyalty and positive word of mouth.' Stakeholders in the southern metropolis are already collaborating on pedestrian-friendly heritage trails and community homestays to keep visitors engaged for longer stretches.
