Travel groups weigh Cambodia’s potential

The Philippine Travel Agencies Association said it will explore tourism potential between the Philippines and Cambodia.

The organization will go on a five-day business trip to Cambodia this week to hold separate meetings with Cambodian Minister of Tourism Thong Khon and local counterparts.

PTAA president Aileen Clemente said Cambodia remained an untapped market and presented unique possibilities for two-way tourism traffic between the two countries.

“With the Association of South East Asian Nations gearing up toward promoting the region and with the launch of Cebu Pacific’s direct flights to Cambodia, it is a viable strategy to encourage tourism between our two countries,” she said.

Cambodia received 2.90 million tourists in 2011, with the country expecting to have at least 3.10 million tourist arrivals this year.

“Cambodia is a new territory in terms of business opportunities for our members. With Filipinos traveling more than any time in the past and are continuously looking for new places to visit, Cambodia offers some potential,” PTAA vice president for outbound Josefina Baena said.

The Cambodian government describes its country as an inexpensive destination with tourists spending $60 at the most daily while averaging six days during their stay in the country.

The Cambodian government expects Filipino tourist arrivals to jump at least 50 percent this year with the introduction of direct flights from the Philippines.

Cambodia was visited by 17,000 Filipinos last year.

The PTAA will bring more than 100 of its member companies to the trip. Included in the itinerary are visits to some of the top tourist destinations in the predominantly Buddhist country, including the South Gate of Angkor Thorn, Elephants Terrace, Terrace of the Leper King, floating village at the Tonle Sap Lake, Angkor Silk Farm and Angkor National Museum.

Sourced: business