Thailand and Philippines to discuss “Two Countries, One Destination” concept

The Thai government expressed its willingness to collaborate with the Philippines to boost their respective dive destinations under a “Two Countries, One Destination” programme. 

Thai ambassador to the Philippines Tull Traisorat opined that the project has great potential “because it’s the nature of the people, they like to cover more than one place, particularly the best diving destinations of the world.”

Traisorat added: “Those tourists from Europe, from the United States, they travel a long way so they would like to cover more than one country. This is the rationale of the two countries, one destination,” Traisorat said in an interview on Friday, 29th November, during the launch of the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) Philippine Dive Experience in Anilao, Mabini, Batangas.

Something for everyone

The ambassador is confident this specific product would attract tourists, both locals and those from other foreign nations.

As he explains it: “From Phi Islands, they can continue to Cebu to see whale sharks and Sumilon or the Kawasan Falls. They can even continue to Palau as well, so maybe three countries-one destination, before they go back to the United States through Palau.”

This concept, Traisorat said, could also apply to cruise tourism to cover both Thailand and the Philippines as well as other Southeast Asian countries, this time under what he said could be called a cruise to paradise. 

The envoy said collaboration with private stakeholders, including airlines and local tour operators, is another crucial element.

Earlier this year, Cebu Pacific launched four new routes between Thailand and the Philippines, including direct flights from Manila to Chiang Mai, cutting travel time by up to eight hours.

Regional cooperation

In a separate interview, tourism secretary Christina Frasco said the Philippines is very much willing to form partnerships with other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and promote the region’s dive offerings.

Frasco said: “On the part of the Philippines, we welcome opportunities to collaborate with our neighbors in the ASEAN so that the visitors that go to their countries may come to the Philippines. And those that come to the Philippines, we are very much willing to cooperate with them to provide opportunities.”

The DOT held the Philippine Dive Experience in Anilao on the 28th and 29th of November to reinforce the Philippines’ position as a premier global destination for diving and marine biodiversity exploration.

Over 20 diplomats from various countries were invited to the event, allowing them to explore Anilao’s vibrant underwater landscapes.