Southeast Asia Rising: Is This India’s New Travel Backyard?
There is a brand-new stamp for Indian travellers to chase! The Philippines has just announced a 14-day visa-free entry for Indian tourists. Yes, you read that right. This latest move is part of the country’s plan to boost tourism.
“The visa-free arrangement is aimed at boosting tourism arrivals from India, which rose 12 per cent in 2024 to nearly 80,000,” Reuters reported.
That means there’s yet another travel diary waiting to be written, just minus the paperwork hustle.
Visa Relaxations Make Travel Easier
In 2025, bucket lists are getting longer and travel budgets are expanding. Travellers are more open to frequent trips, not just across India but globally. International travel is starting to feel as accessible—and sometimes as affordable—as a domestic getaway.
Visa applications are one of the biggest roadblocks for international travel. They’re time-consuming, expensive, and frankly, stressful. That’s why countries that offer visa-free entry or visa on arrival (VOA) are becoming big wins for Indian travellers.
According to the Thomas Cook India and SOTC Holiday Report 2025, 44 per cent of Indian travellers are more likely to visit countries with a hassle-free visa process.
Popular destinations offering VOA for Indian passport holders include Maldives, Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Jordan. Some countries like Mauritius, Nepal, Hong Kong, Fiji, and now the Philippines allow visa-free entry for a limited duration.
Southeast Asia’s Tourist Boom
Southeast Asia is clearly having a moment. With proximity, budget-friendly options, and diverse experiences, the region is becoming a favourite.
According to Malaysia Tourism, over 10.1 million foreign travellers visited the country in the first quarter of 2025. Thailand followed with 9.55 million, Vietnam had 6 million, and Singapore 4.31 million.
“Southeast Asia fits the bill perfectly. Countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and now the Philippines offer strong value for money, visa-friendly policies, and a wide variety of experiences. As air connectivity improves and more travellers seek short-haul destinations, this region is seeing consistent growth,” says Karan Agarwal, Director, Cox and Kings.
Hari Ganapathy, co-founder of Pickyourtrail, highlights the rise of the Philippines: “Bali, Thailand, and Vietnam have consistently been favourites. Now we’re seeing a growing interest in the Philippines, which was not as prominent a few years ago.”
According to data, Bali attracts nearly 23.43 per cent of Indian travellers. Thailand and Vietnam are also experiencing a rise in both flight and package bookings. There’s growing demand for Da Nang and Phu Quoc in Vietnam, and El Nido and Cebu in the Philippines.
Why Choose the Philippines?
The Philippines is climbing up search engines, Instagram reels, and Pinterest travel boards. Visa relaxation has sparked a 25 per cent rise in searches, propelling it to the third-most searched Southeast Asian destination from India.
“Our projections indicate that this momentum will continue, with travel demand expected to grow by another 15-25 per cent in the coming months,” says Rikant Pittie, CEO and co-founder, EaseMyTrip.
Ganapathy explains that it’s not just about the visa. The Philippines is gaining a reputation for blending adventure and luxury: stunning islands, water sports, affordable luxury resorts, and a warm local culture make it a compelling pick.
Flight Connectivity: The Missing Piece
While the excitement is palpable, there’s a hitch—limited direct flight options. Air India plans to launch direct Delhi-Manila flights in October 2025.
“Currently, limited flight options can act as a deterrent. More direct routes from major cities to key Philippine destinations will be crucial to unlocking the country’s full tourism potential,” adds Agarwal.
Top Tourist Spots in the Philippines
Boracay: Famous for its turquoise waters and powdery white sands. Expect dreamy sunsets and blissful hammock naps.
Palawan: A blockbuster destination offering adventure and relaxation. Explore El Nido’s lagoons, Coron’s shipwreck dives, and limestone cliffs.
Bohol: Home to the unique Chocolate Hills and the world’s smallest primates, the tarsiers. Cruise rivers, visit heritage churches, and relax on the beach.
Siargao: The ‘Surf Capital of the Philippines’. Secluded beaches, reef breaks, and a laid-back vibe.
Banaue Rice Terraces: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with scenic rice paddies carved thousands of years ago.
Cebu: Ideal for water lovers. Chase waterfalls, snorkel in reefs, and swim with whale sharks.
A Region That Checks All the Boxes
From budget backpackers to luxury seekers, Southeast Asia is proving to be a one-stop shop. The culture, food, affordability, and accessibility make it irresistible.
With domestic travel prices rising, these international destinations feel more viable and attractive. For Indian travellers in 2025, Southeast Asia isn’t just a travel dream anymore—it’s the new backyard.
IT.
