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Thursday, March 28, 2024

PH, Thailand spur ‘exchange tourism’

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The Philippines has embarked on an “exchange tourism” agreement with Thailand in what is expected to encourage more Thai tourists to visit the country.

This developed during the four-day visit of Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo to Bangkok last week upon the invitation of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) as part of the celebration of the 84th birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit

DOT Secretary Teo with the Thai Travel Agents Association, led by President Soorangura

Teo met with Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Thai Minister of Tourism and Sports, who offered collaboration between the two countries in farm tourism, youth development, and women and indigenous community projects.

During the working visit to “The Land of Smiles,” the DOT chief also met with the Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA) at Tawana Ramada Hotel.

Department of Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo (right) receives a gift from Thai Travel Agents Association President Suparerk Soorangura 

As a result, TTAA President Suparerk Soorangura announced his group would come to the Philippines in September for the Philippine Travel Exposition (PHITEX) and tour the cities of Cebu, Davao and Cagayan de Oro.

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Soorangura, who claims he heard about the Philippines only three years ago, said they wanted to see Mayon Volcano, go deep-diving, shop and get a taste of authentic Filipino cuisine.

Teo, who was a top travel executive and tourism advocate herself, expressed great appreciation, saying she can learn a thing or two from Thai authorities, who catapulted Thailand’s tourism to the top, besting most Southeast Asian countries.

She was treated to a grand reception by Royal Thai Navy and tours to the Royal Grand Palace, the Emerald Buddha Temple, the Queen Sirikit Textile Museum, the Bang Pa-in Summer Palace, Bang Sai Royal Folks Arts and Crafts Center, and the AsiaTique River Front.

The two countries, in fact, share so much in common that Teo felt somewhat at home during her four-day working visit to Bangkok last week.

 “I realized that one would find their sceneries somewhat familiar to those that we have here but what struck me is the fact that we have a lot more to offer,” Teo said.

The DOT chief was invited to promote the Philippines in the Thai International Travel Fair in February next year.

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