Cambodia tweaks trip estimate

PHNOM PENH, 22 June 2013: Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism has revised tourist travel arrivals from 3.8 million to 4.2 million by year-end.

Tourism Minister Thong Khon told local media, earlier this week, that the adjustment was based on a  January t0 April’s performance with  1.5 million trips.

“Earlier, we forecast 3.8 million, but now we expect 4.2 million,” he said.

In addition, tourism officials have revised their forecast upwards for foreign tourist arrivals from 7 million to 7.5 million a year by 2020.

To reach both targets, the minister said the government had implemented strategies that also include plans to improve spend and length of stay.

“For example, the entrance ticket to the Angkor complex will be changed to a weekly pass and will not have fixed dates. Visitors can use the same pass during their entire stay in Cambodia.”

Currently, the entrance fees to Angkor Wat start at US$20 for international visitors for a day, US$40 for a three-day visit and US$60 for the entire week. They are linked to specific dates, while in the future the pass would remain valued throughout the visitor’s stay in Cambodia.

He added that upheavals in the Middle East were turning more visitors to visit Asia that is relatively stable.

“We are trying to ensure that visitors who visit Asia do not miss out on Cambodia.”

Cambodia Association of Travel Agents president, Ang Kim Eang, noted that Cambodia still needed to improve tourism infrastructure, including safe transportation and accommodation at tourist destinations.

“Local investors need to participate more to build tourism and invest in this sector.”

Last year, the country welcomed 3.58 million foreign tourists, up 24% year-on-year. Tourism generated US$2.2 billion in revenue.

About 75% of all tourists were from Asia-Pacific and about 16% from European countries.

Sourced: ttrweekly