Philippines and Thailand Forge Tourism Pact Amid Casino Buzz

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Picture courtesy: Facbook Asean Skyline

 

In a significant strategic partnership, the Philippines and Thailand have signed a five-year agreement to enhance their travel and hospitality sectors. The accord, formalised on Sunday, January 19, comes amidst buzz surrounding Thailand’s potential move to legalise casinos, which could revolutionise its tourism appeal.

 

Currently, the Philippines holds a leading position in the regional casino market, allowing both locals and foreigners unrestricted access to gaming.

 

This partnership is viewed as a chance to exchange expertise, capitalising on Thailand’s strengths in cultural and medical tourism, while offering insights into the Philippines' thriving hospitality industry.

 

Christina Garcia Frasco, the Philippines' tourism secretary, highlighted the opportunities this alliance presents: “This collaboration provides an exciting opportunity to tap into Thailand’s remarkable success in attracting visitors. In return, Thailand stands to gain from the Philippine expertise in hospitality, where we have earned a reputation for excellence.”

 

Thailand’s tourism minister, Sorawong Thienthong, also expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasising the mutual benefits of shared expertise, professional training, and joint marketing efforts, alongside sustainable tourism practices.

The agreement spans from 2025 to 2030 and builds on a bilateral framework originally established in 1993. Major initiatives include tourism product development, exchange programmes, and promoting cultural heritage.

 

In recent statistics, the Philippines welcomed 5.44 million foreign visitors last year, marking an 8.7% increase from the previous year, although it fell short of the 7.7-million target. Out of these, Thailand comprised just under 1% with 45,896 visitors.

 

Conversely, Thailand celebrated a triumphant surge in tourism, exceeding its target with over 35 million visitors and generating a staggering 1.8 trillion baht (approximately £52.9 billion) in revenue, as reported by GGR Asia.

 

As talks of Thailand establishing its first casino resort by 2030 gain traction, this partnership suggests a strategic shift that could redefine tourism dynamics across Southeast Asia.

 

Both nations are set to ramp up their infrastructure, underscored by the Philippines’ 7.7-billion peso airport improvement plans, heralding a potentially transformative era for regional tourism.

 

In allied developments, Cebu Pacific has resumed international flights and introduced new domestic routes from the southern Philippine city of Davao, including a direct connection to Bangkok from August last year.

 

This expansion further strengthens travel ties and eases access between the two nations, fuelling the collaborative tourism vision.

 

-- 2025-01-22