Thailand has expressed interest in partnering with the Philippines to enhance their dive tourism offerings under a "two countries, one destination" concept. Thai Ambassador to the Philippines, Tull Traisorat, believes the idea has great potential, especially for tourists coming from Europe and the United States. He explained that travelers from these regions often seek to visit more than one destination during their long trips, making the combined dive offerings of Thailand and the Philippines an attractive proposition.
During an interview at the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) inaugural Philippine Dive Experience in Anilao, Batangas, Traisorat outlined how the concept could work. Tourists could start their journey in Thailand, visiting popular dive sites such as Phi Phi Islands, before heading to the Philippines to explore Cebu’s whale sharks, the stunning Sumilon Island, and the famous Kawasan Falls. He also suggested that the journey could extend to Palau, creating a "three countries, one destination" experience for divers before returning to the U.S. via Palau.
The ambassador also mentioned that the concept could be applied to cruise tourism. Much like cruises in the Caribbean or the Mediterranean, which cover multiple European countries, a "cruise to paradise islands" could include both Thailand and the Philippines, along with other Southeast Asian destinations. This would offer a seamless experience for tourists wishing to explore a variety of destinations in one trip.
For such a collaboration to succeed, Traisorat emphasized the importance of private sector involvement, including airlines and local tour operators. This aligns with recent developments, such as Cebu Pacific launching four new routes between the Philippines and Thailand, including a direct Manila-Chiang Mai flight that reduces travel time by up to eight hours. Traisorat expressed hope that additional routes would be introduced, such as Cebu-Phuket, El Nido-Samui, or even Clark-U Tapao.
The idea of regional collaboration was also echoed by Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines, Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, who suggested expanding the concept to include other Southeast Asian countries. He proposed creating a regional initiative, similar to the Philippine Dive Experience, to help promote dive tourism across the region.
Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco expressed the Philippines’ eagerness to form such partnerships within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). She noted that strengthening cooperation with neighboring countries would not only attract more visitors to the Philippines but also help promote the region's collective dive tourism potential.
The Philippine Dive Experience, held on November 28-29 in Anilao, Batangas, showcased the Philippines’ vibrant underwater landscapes and marine biodiversity. The event was attended by over 20 diplomats, offering them a firsthand look at why the Philippines is recognized as a premier global diving destination. As discussions about regional collaboration continue, both Thailand and the Philippines are keen to work together to enhance the region's appeal as a world-class dive tourism hub.
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