The Department of Tourism (DOT) is pushing for the easing of visa policy, including the resumption of e-Visa program in China, to ease travel and stimulate demand from its outbound market.

The agency said visa facilitation remains a “decisive factor in capturing travelers from major markets such as China.”

“While many of our ASEAN neighbors have eased or waived requirements and reaped significant gains, the suspension of the Philippines’ e-visa program —combined with strict daily visa caps for free independent travelers (FITs)— constrains our ability to serve charter flights that typically operate two to three times a week,” it said.

The DOT said appointment slots for FITs or those who book their own flights and hotels remain "limited" while group visa applications are "restricted to only twice a week."

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Saturday stated that its embassy and consulates are meeting the current demand in China, and are ready to cater to more tourists should visa applications increase.

The DOT, on the other hand, said easing visa requirements “directly stimulates demand” as seen in the sharp turnaround in arrivals from other source market.

“We value our close coordination with the DFA and our Foreign Service Posts in advancing our shared vision of increasing tourist arrivals and strengthening the industry,” it said.

“At the same time, we respectfully emphasize that true competitiveness requires not only the capacity to respond once demand arises, but also the proactive removal of barriers that may be holding it back,” it added.

PNA PHOTO