She said if the two destinations worked together, they would entice more international tourists to visit Asean.

"Cebu and Phuket are not competitors, because the market for global tourists is too big. We can help each other by developing our respective tourism industries and invite more visitors," Asha said.

Cebu's Mactan Island, near Cebu Island in the centre of the Philippine Archipelago, is a popular local tourist destination known for its pristine white beaches. In many ways, it is similar to Phuket.

However Asha said tourism stakeholders in both destinations need to develop their marketing and advertising extensively and address tourists' changing preferences.

Through bilateral meetings, the Philippines and Thailand are working to strengthen their relationship in the areas of tourism, security, trade and energy. "Trade relations between the two countries are growing each year," she said.

Meanwhile, the growing tourism industry in the Central Visayas Islands - of which Cebu is a part - is making the Philippine island-province a popular destination among Thais.

"My favourite place is Bohol," Asha revealed, adding that hotels and resorts on Mactan Island were common vacation spots for Thais.