AUSTRALIA | Two new training programs will allow Australian tourism businesses to connect with the rapidly growing Filipino and Thai visitor markets.
To help Australian tourism operators tap into the rapidly growing Filipino and Thai visitor markets, the Albanese Government has launched two new training programs.
Delivered in partnership with the Australian Tourism Export Council, the Philippines Host and Thailand Host programs will equip Australian tourism businesses with the knowledge, cultural insights, and skills needed to deliver an unforgettable experience for inbound travellers.
Travel from these markets has rebounded post-pandemic, with visitors from the Philippines reaching 171,900, and visitors from Thailand reaching 95,100 in 2024.
But there is great potential to grow both markets further, with Tourism Research Australia forecasting that by 2029, annual visitors from the Philippines will increase by 42 percent and annual visitors from Thailand to increase by 47 percent.
Airlines are expanding routes to meet this increasing demand, with Qantas adding Brisbane-Manila flights (100,000+ seats annually), Cebu Pacific increasing Sydney and Melbourne services, and Jetstar boosting Australia-Thailand routes to 22 weekly flights, including new Brisbane and Perth connections.
The Albanese Government is helping tourism operators tap into new markets, recognising the opportunity it presents as highlighted in the Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040.
The Host programs will be delivered by the Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC), which also delivers the Tourism Training Hub, and the recently released Vietnam Host program.
Australian tourism operators can register for the Philippines and Thailand Host Programs via the ATEC Tourism Training Hub.
"These new Programs will help deepen Australia’s engagement in Southeast Asia by preparing our tourism industry to attract and service visitors, and drive growth from the Philippines and Thailand,” Senator Don Farrell said.
"New aviation services are helping increase travel between Australia and the Philippines and Thailand, which presents a wealth of opportunities for Australian businesses. We want to ensure that our fantastic tourism operators are ready to take advantage of these opportunities, growing their businesses and creating jobs."
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