Siem Reap taps event business

SIEM REAP The Sokha Convention Centre in Siem Reap is scheduled to open this September on a site next to the town’s largest hotel project.

Local media reported Sokha Hotels and Resorts will open the first convention centre in Siem Reap next month.

The Cambodian hotel chain says the convention centre will have 8,950 square metres of space on a site next to a 776-room resort complex that is due to open soon.  The enormous property stands close to the entrance of Angkor Wat, the kingdom’s biggest tourist attraction.

The  convention centre can accommodate up to 2,000 delegates. It also features a halal-certified kitchen that can cater for large-scale events.

Construction began in May 2014.

The convention centre’s director of sales, Leena Rajagopal, was quoted saying existing major hotels in Siem Reap province have limited capacity for meetings and events, with most venues restricted to around 300 sqm of space.

Phnom Penh Post quoted Siem Reap’s tourism department deputy director, Chheuy Chhorn, saying the new convention centre would create a suitable venue for large conferences and business events and provide Siem Reap with a new revenue stream.

Sokha Hotels & Resorts manages convention facilities in Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville and Thansur Bokor Highland Resort located on Bokor mountain in Kampot.