Australian tourism operators supported via ATEC's Philippines and Thailand Host programs

The Australian Tourism Export Council is delivering two new training programs - the Philippines Host and Thailand Host programs - to equip Australian tourism businesses with the knowledge, cultural insights, and skills needed to deliver an unforgettable experience for inbound travellers from these destinations.

Peter Shelley, Managing Director, Australian Tourism Export Council noted "with the Philippines and Thailand emerging as key growth markets, now is the time for operators to invest in market readiness.

"These new Host programs equip businesses with the knowledge and cultural insights to create meaningful visitor experiences and capitalise on these expanding opportunities.

"Developed in collaboration with industry experts and Austrade, these Host programs provide tourism businesses with market-specific understanding that translates into the real-world."

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.

There is however great potential to grow both markets further, with Tourism Research Australia forecasting that by 2029, annual visitors from the Philippines will increase by 42% and annual visitors from Thailand to increase by 47%.

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.

ATEC 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.