Why People Choose the Philippines and India as Offshoring Locations for Their Business and Travel

Recent studies have shown the advantages that businesses can have by offshoring a wide range of operations, roles, and initiatives to the Philippines and India.

These nations are among the top offshore destinations worldwide, serving as essential Asian hubs for offshoring services, with the 2023 Kearney Global Services Location Index reporting India as the first and the Philippines as the 12th out of 78 countries.

Offshoring to the Philippines and India became popular for several reasons. Their more robust offshoring market has given foreign and local companies and people further opportunities. Business owners also recognise the hard work and talent of the people in these nations.

The Philippines and India are the top choices for companies when picking the perfect offshore location. Benefits vary in both countries. But before that, let us look at why these two nations draw tourists and investors for business and pleasure.

What Draws Foreign Investors to Tourism in India and the Philippines

Nature Spots

The Philippine archipelago, composed of more than 7,100 islands, boasts stunning sceneries of different bodies of water — beaches, waterfalls, rivers, and lakes. However, the Philippine topography is also extremely varied, with a perfectly cone-shaped volcano, rice terraces, mountain ranges, and more.

These nature spots are easily accessible even if you live in major cities, such as Metro Manila, the capital. Just a few hours of travel from Manila can lead you to the mountainous areas of Rizal — perfect for hiking and trekking — or the top swimming and diving places in Batangas. In Cebu, a capital city in Visayas, beaches are just a few minutes from the international airport.

There are countless islands in the Philippines to explore. Most of these islands are untouched by modern development, providing visitors with a much-needed respite from the daily grind.

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Contrary to the Philippines' archipelagic structure, India has a massive coastline of over 7,000 kilometres. However, they also have numerous landlocked states, making road trips an incredible journey for travellers. Their large area, the seventh largest in the world, is home to a diverse flora and fauna.

Unbeknownst to many, India is home to an astounding 7% of all species on Earth! Few locations worldwide provide the extensive array of wildlife encounters India provides — ranging from over 1,300 bird species, undoubtedly making it a birdwatcher paradise, to famous megafauna like the Bengal Tiger, Asian Elephant, and the Indian Rhinoceros. You can start with their national parks and wildlife conservation centres for the experience.

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In terms of climate, both the Philippines and India are more in the tropics, though India may also have a subtropical climate. Nevertheless, there are a lot of sunny days in both countries, ensuring that any outdoor activities you have planned will most likely be successful, giving you one of the best adventures in your life.

Gourmet Paradise

India and the Philippines are known for their distinct and exciting flavours and cuisines. The only way to truly appreciate the diversity of Indian and Philippine cuisine is to travel around these countries.

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The Philippines has managed to carve out a niche in the global culinary scene. The country's rich history of trade and conquests has a ton of influences in their cuisines combined with long-standing traditions and techniques.

Among the most well-known Filipino dishes are Lechon, or roasted whole pig, which the late Anthony Bourdain vowed was the best he had ever tasted, and Adobo, which is chicken or pork meat cooked in soy sauce and vinegar. Balut (duck embryo) is a street meal ideal for more adventurous individuals.

Depending on the place you're visiting in the country, you may also encounter unique dishes, such as Batangas' famous Lomi (a Filipino egg noodle soup with vegetables), Palawan's Kinilaw na Tamilok (raw woodworm marinated with vinegar or lime juice, chopped chilli peppers, and onions), and Pampanga's Sisig (a grilled, often pork, dish seasoned with Calamansi, onions, and chilli peppers).

Additionally, the Philippines is also a dessert haven with its wide variety of sweet fruits and Kakanins (glutinous rice cakes). And, as a tropical country, the Halo-halo, made with crushed ice, milk, and sweetened fruits, is perfect to combat the heat.

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India offers some of the best dining experiences on the planet. This recognition is owed, in large part, to its abundant spice collection, which helped the country prosper in the past when potent flavours were valued at an equal scale with gold. India is the origin of peppercorns, cardamoms, turmeric, cinnamon, and other seasonings. Its expertise in this area has contributed to the development of numerous Asian cuisines.

You immediately think of Indian food when you hear about Garlic Naan, Biryani, Butter Chicken, Chicken Tikka Masala, and Dal. On the other hand, don't expect anything that resembles a typical meal when visiting India. There are 29 states in this enormous nation, and each has its distinct topography and customs.

Indian food, which draws from diverse cultures, customs, and microclimates across their immense country, is a fusion of several cuisines. The term "curry," widely used outside of India, refers to thousands of distinct foods combined under one general term derived from the Tamil word "Kari," which means "spicy sauce."

People and Culture

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Filipinos are well known for their hospitality, having friendly smiles and welcoming dispositions. Their invitations to their houses, social events, and out-of-town excursions will make you feel comfortable and at home. They will make every effort to make you feel like you belong — you can be sure of that. A part of this hospitality can be attributed to how crucial familial and peer relationships are to Filipinos. This warm welcome and treatment also make a lot of people decide to settle down here after taking a trip.

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Many people believe India's distinct energy is why the country and its people are famed for their warmth and friendliness. Numerous religions, including Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism, to mention a few, as well as the disciplines of yoga and meditation, have their spiritual roots in this area.

Thus, it should come as no surprise that it has grown in popularity as a destination for people looking for holidays and retreats. Being at ease allows you to develop inner quiet and thankfulness. There are ashrams all around the nation that want to provide you with an authentic insight into Indian spirituality.

India and Philippines as Offshoring Locations for Your Business

Offshoring has emerged as a key tactic for companies trying to cut expenses and increase productivity. India and the Philippines are always top of the list as the best offshore locations. Selecting one is crucial because each country offers distinct benefits and features.

To learn more about selecting the right offshore partner, read this article.

Unient is your versatile partner for better offshoring to access the best-of-quality talents for your organisational needs in the Philippines and India. Our Solutions Experts are ready to talk to you when you are! Book your commitment-free consultation here.