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February 04, 2006

The Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of the Republic of India, hereinafter referred to as the "Parties",

Desirous of strengthening the friendly relations and mutual understanding between the two countries and convinced that the promotion of tourism shall lead to the mutual benefit of both countries;

HEREBY agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

The Parties shall create favourable conditions for the development of long-term cooperation in the field of tourism for the mutual benefit of the two countries.

ARTICLE 2

The Parties shall, in accordance with the laws and internal regulations in force in each other's country, encourage the application of simple procedures for their citizens travelling to the other country for tourism purposes.

ARTICLE 3

The Parties, through their executing agencies, shall coordinate in promoting tourism activities in accordance with the rules and regulations in force in each other's country by exchanging information, expertise and experience regarding inventory of tourism resources, existing legislation, and regulations on tourism services and measures for preservation as well as the sustainable development of their natural and cultural and historical resources.

ARTICLE 4

The Parties shall encourage exchange of expertise and best practices in relation to organisation, management and operation of tourism business and shall also assist each other in training their staff in the field of tourism. They shall also consider exchange of curriculum methodology on tourism teaching studies and research.

ARTICLE 5

The Parties shall facilitate the import and export of promotional tourism brochures, compact disc materials and documents for publicity including films and exhibition materials, free or with minimal customs duty as may be allowed by existing domestic laws of the country into which the said promotional materials shall be imported.

ARTICLE 6

The Parties shall acquaint its citizens and encourage them to invest in tourism in the other country and to provide them all possible assistance toward this goal in accordance with the laws and regulations in force in each country.

ARTICLE 7

The Parties shall promote the exchange of information and expertise in the development of traditional tourism products, crafts and industries.

ARTICLE 8

The Parties shall encourage the holding of, and participation by, their citizens in conventions, conferences, exhibitions, symposiums and similar international gatherings in the other country as a tool to promote tourism in their respective countries.

ARTICLE 9

The Parties shall undertake joint marketing programmes and shall collaborate on advertising each other's tourism products and services such as in the production, distribution and exchange of brochures and other collateral materials and also in developing mutually beneficial tour packages.

The Parties shall undertake joint promotions which shall include a "twinning programme" whereby each country shall promote and sell the other's destinations jointly with its own in international tourism markets through joint tourism programmes, as well as encourage tourists visiting the countries of the two sides to extend their visits to each other's destinations.

ARTICLE 10

The Government of the Republic of the Philippines shall designate the Philippine Department of Tourism, and the Government of the Republic of India shall designate the Ministry of Tourism, as their executing agencies to be responsible for all matters relating to the implementation of this Agreement.

ARTICLE 11

The Parties shall facilitate the setting up of a representative office of the implementing authority in each other's country, in accordance with the laws in force in the country where such office is located.

ARTICLE 12

The Parties shall form a Working Group composed of an equal number of representatives of both countries for the implementation of this agreement to which the members of the private sector may also be included. The Working Group shall meet alternately in each country at mutually convenient dates and venues.

ARTICLE 13

Any differences or disputes arising out of the implementation of the provisions of this Agreement shall be settled amicably by consultation or negotiation between the Parties, through diplomatic channels.

ARTICLE 14

This Agreement shall enter into force on the date of the last notification by the Parties, through diplomatic channels, indicating that they have complied with their domestic requirements for the Agreement to enter into force.

Any amendment to the provisions of this Agreement shall be effected by consent of both Parties and shall enter into force in accordance with the first paragraph of the following Article.

This Agreement shall remain in force for five (5) years, and shall be automatically renewed for the same period until terminated with the written consent of the Parties through diplomatic channels. A notice of termination by one Party shall be addressed to the other three months prior to the intended date of termination.

Any such amendment or termination shall be without prejudice to the implementation of programmes and projects arising from or based on this

Agreement prior or up to the date of the entry into force of such amendment or termination, unless the Parties agree otherwise.

IN TESTIMONY OF WHICH the Parties herein below duly authorized by their respective Governments hereby sign this agreement.

Done at Manila on the 4th day of February in the year Two Thousand and Six in two originals in the English language.