Cambodia’s tourism on a roll

BANGKOK, 3 January 2013: International arrivals to Cambodia reached 3,200,000 by the end of November and officials project 3.5 million for the entire year.

Phnom Penh Post reported Tourism Minister, Thing Kon, as saying Cambodia should receive an additional 300,000 tourists in December.

“The number of tourists in 2012 is at least 200,000 higher than expectations, possibly reaching 3.5 million,” he said.

Key factors are political stability and security, as well the successful hosting of ASEAN summits and other related meetings.

Also, the tourism products are diversifying with the country establishing new resorts at coastal areas and ecotourism options under its “Green and Clean” slogan.

Direct flights between Cambodia and Indonesia and the long-awaited ACMECS’ single visa implementation, launched 27 December, in a test phase by Thailand and Cambodia were also important factors that should fuel growth.

Pacific Asia Travel Association chairman, Cambodia chapter, Sinan Thourn, recommended the introduction of direct flights from Japan or India and an increase in direct flights from China.

According to the report of Statistics and Tourism Information Department, Cambodia received 333,482 tourists  in November, a substantial increase of 25.63%, while over the 11-month period, the tally reached 3,201,981 international tourists or a 23.9% increase.

Among the top 10 markets, Laos posted the strongest growth, +149% (23,762). Thailand supplied 17,293 visits, up around 70%, while the US supplied 17,687. Korea and France were the only two top 10 markets that posted declines, 3.3% (30,259) and 2.8% (13,467) respectively.

By region, Asia Pacific accounted for a 71% market share, posting the strongest growth of 30.3% and supplying 236,753 arrivals. ASEAN recorded the highest growth at 44.5% due to increases from Laos and Thailand.

Sourced: Cambodia News