The Ministry of Tourism has embarked on an initiative to improve the operation and management of Tourist Information Centres (TIC) nationwide, which is considered a core task of the 2021-2025 post-Covid-19 tourism recovery roadmap and 2021-2023 internal tourism movement promotion policy measures.

A February 10 meeting was held to assess the situation surrounding the TICs and discuss ways to promote the quality of the centres and overall tourism information services.

Addressing the meeting, Ministry of Tourism secretary of state Kuch Panhasa shared feedback provided to some of these TICs, including a request for increased cooperation between the Phnom Penh Municipal Administration and its provincial counterparts geared towards improving administration at the centres and creating additional ones, to better serve tourists.

“We have to keep improving the quality of the TICs to live up to the expectations of visitors, and make information more easily accessible at tourist destinations.

“We’ll look into building new TICs or tourist information booths, and renovating as well as bringing existing ones up to par,” he said.

The meeting also discussed tourism-related preparations ahead of the 32nd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games and the 11th ASEAN Para Games.

Cambodia Association of Travel Agents adviser Ho Vandy underscored the importance of the quality of TICs, especially those in the provinces, as well as the need for them to provide clear and accurate information to make it easier for tourists to decide where to travel, stay and eat.

“Domestic and international travellers need clear information about new places and tourism products, and they want us to provide affordable prices and heart-warming services,” he stressed.

“In provinces, especially those seen as tourism destinations, [TICs] must constantly strengthen and develop their insights, to bring back holidaymakers.”