The Philippines-Thailand ‘Two Countries, One Destination’ partnership is expected to be signed soon by the two governments to further boost bilateral tourism initiatives and other mutual interests.

This was announced by Thailand Ambassador to the Philippines Tull Traisorat, who noted that the partnership document could be signed by June during the Philippine-Thailand Tourism Ministerial Meeting or “even before if there’s a high-level visit”.

Under the concept of the partnership, the two governments will ramp up promotions and encourage foreign tourists visiting either of the two nations to have the Philippines or Thailand as their second stop in their travels.

The Thai ambassador said that the two-countries, one-destination concept is reflected in the implementation part under the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on tourism cooperation between Thailand and the Philippines.

“This one is the implementation agreement under that MOU. So, the two sides will work even more closely together,” he added.

Traisorat also stressed the need to work on establishing direct flights between the two states’ popular destinations.

He disclosed that stakeholders are currently in talks for a possible direct flight between Cebu and Phuket. “It’s in the making. I’ve talked with all relevant airlines already, including Thai Airways, PAL (Philippine Airlines), Cebu Pacific, Thai VietJet Air, and AirAsia as well to promote this. It’s a key to promote tourism between our two countries,” he stated.

Traisorat said that once this direct flight is established, the Philippines could get a share of Thailand’s steadily growing number of foreign tourists.

He shared that in 2023 alone, Thailand received about 28 million international travelers, and eight to 10 million of these visited Phuket via the more than 100 weekly direct flights from Europe, Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea, and China.

“If there’s direct flight between Phuket and Cebu, if the Philippines could tap at least 10 percent, it’s near one million already. So, a direct flight is key in promoting tourism and attracting more tourists,” Traisorat said.

“The key is attracting those from the outside— those who come to Thailand— to continue here in the Philippines, particularly those who love diving,” the ambassador added, citing the world-renowned diving destinations in the Philippines.

Traisorat also highlighted the growing presence of Thai brands in Philippine hospitality such as the Dusit Thani. “They are planning to have one more in Iloilo and one more in Boracay,” he said.

He likewise said that the Erawan Group, which operates the Hop Inn Hotels, is also expanding well in the Philippines.

The Philippines’ Department of Tourism earlier pushed for sustained tourism cooperation between the two countries to cover travel facilitation, research and development, education and training, tourism initiatives, human capital development and employment generation.

📷: Department of Tourism website (Puerto Galera)