BANGKOK, 07 APRIL 2025 – The Philippines and Thailand have taken a significant step toward deepening tourism cooperation following the successful conclusion of the 1st Thailand - Philippines Joint Working Group (JWG) Meeting on Tourism Cooperation held on March 26, 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand.

Co-chaired by Undersecretary Ms. Verna C. Buensuceso of the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) and Deputy Permanent Secretary Ms. Wanida Phansa-ard of Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports (MOTS), the meeting laid the foundation for increased cooperation between the two countries under the Implementation Program of the Agreement on Tourism Cooperation, signed on the sidelines of the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) in January 2025 in Malaysia.

The discussions focused on both countries' tourism initiatives and programs under the newly signed Agreement, which will serve as a guide in the joint efforts between Thailand and the Philippines from 2025 to 2030, based on key bilateral strategies, including Exchange of Best Practices, Human Resource Development, and Joint Marketing and Promotional Campaigns.

Undersecretary Buensuceso emphasized the importance of learning from Thailand’s experience, particularly in areas such as cultural and medical tourism, recognizing Thailand’s expertise in tourism branding and campaign in the ASEAN region. As part of its ongoing efforts to boost tourism in the Philippines, the DOT presented its “Two Countries, One Destination” initiative, which aims to attract more travelers by promoting the Philippines in tandem with another ASEAN destination, such as Thailand.

Meanwhile, Thailand’s Deputy Permanent Secretary Phansa-ard underscored the importance of strengthening bilateral mechanisms to improve tourism offerings between the two nations. She highlighted the potential for expanding tourism flows from Thailand to the Philippines, through enhanced accessibility and developing sustainable and competitive tourism products and packages.

The meeting concluded with both countries expressing a shared commitment to advancing an inclusive tourism sector. The Philippines and Thailand are investing in the empowerment of women and marginalized groups, including the LGBTQ+ communities and local indigenous populations, to ensure that tourism serves as a catalyst to foster sustainable and inclusive development. END