PHNOM PENH: The Philippines is exploring more cooperation on tourism with Cambodia, especially on the resumption of a bilateral agreement, expansion of direct flight connection, exchange of Mutual Recognition Arrangement on Tourism Professionals (MRA-TP), ecotourism development, and health tourism promotion.

The intention was unveiled by H.E. Mrs. Esperanza Christina Garcia Frasco, Secretary of the Department of Tourism of the Philippines in her meeting with H.E. Thong Khon, Cambodian Minister of Tourism here in Phnom Penh recently.

H.E. Mrs. Esperanza Christina Garcia Frasco noticed Cambodia's successful implementation of MRA-TP, suggesting Cambodia share the experience with Filipino tourism experts to align with the ASEAN standard.

The Philippine counterpart also appreciated Cambodia's ecotourism development which well adheres to the principles of sustainable and environmental responsibility.

H.E. Thong Khon recalled the Filipino tourism secretary on the Memorandum of Understanding on tourism between the two countries signed in 2000 as well as the implementation of its action plan until the COVID-19 outbreak.

The minister requested the Philippine side to either resume the MoU implementation or formulate a new one to further promote bilateral tourism cooperation.

He also agreed with H.E. Mrs. Esperanza Christina Garcia Frasco on the connection of direct flights, especially from Manila to Siem Reap or Cebu to Phnom Penh and Cebu to Siem Reap.