Chuob Ratana, director of the ministry’s Tourism Development Planning department, met with the firm’s representatives on July 27 to discuss cooperation in enhancing the seaplane service. TOURISM MINISTRY
A senior official from the Ministry of Tourism has announced that Royal Group Samra Seaplane Cambodia will begin operations in the Kingdom later this year, although the company has yet to determine which province would first be offered the service.
Chuob Ratana, director of the ministry’s Tourism Development Planning department, met with the firm’s representatives on July 27 to discuss cooperation in enhancing the seaplane service.
He said it would offer transport services to several primary tourist destinations on Cambodia’s coastal islands and to certain northeastern destinations.
“During high season, the company plans to launch a tentative seaplane service, although the business is currently conducting legal due diligence, as the Kingdom’s laws are yet to specifically cover this kind of aircraft,” he explained.
He noted that the seaplanes are capable of carrying eight passengers comfortably.
“For example, if visitors wanted to travel from Siem Reap province to Sang Saa Island, this aircraft could carry them there directly. These planes can land on water lust like a boat,” he said, referring to a top-notch private island in Preah Sihanouk province.
Thourn Sinan, chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Cambodia Chapter, lauded the forthcoming service.
“This is just what the Kingdom needs to supplement our capacity of receiving high net worth tourists. It is not enough for us to rely on our natural heritage alone, we need to offer more services to attract tourists,” he said.
Local conglomerate Royal Group of Companies (RGC) and Hong Kong-based Seaplane Asia Ltd signed a joint venture agreement on June 12 to create Royal Group Samra Seaplane Cambodia and begin seaplane operations in the country, aiming to improve interconnectivity as well as air access.
RGC chairman Kith Meng said at the event that he was proud to join with Seaplane Asia.
Seaplane Asia CEO Dennis Keller said: “Cambodia possesses tremendous potential for amphibious seaplane operations, given its extraordinary natural beauty and growing economy, as well as tourism industry.”
Additional reporting by Neang Sokunthea
