Minister of Tourism Thong Khon announced the formation of an inter-ministerial committee to create a plan for tourism in Mondulkiri province, where 39 tourist destinations have been identified by the provincial governor Svay Sam Eang.

The committee said tourism development in the province must have support from relevant sectors such as transport.

The ministry suggested the construction of a new airport to receive tourists and transport products to local destinations.

The ministry said Mondulkiri and other provinces in northern Cambodia are potential eco-tourism destinations which need “sustainable development with high responsibility”.

The most important sectors in this province are tourism and eco-tourism, followed by organic agricultural products and coffee, the ministry said.

Khon said in the meeting that tourism is an integrated sector which needs support from other sectors including environment, agriculture, culture, water, electricity and transportation.

He agreed that the province needs an airport and expects it to connect to other ASEAN countries and China.

Eang said in the meeting that his province had 39 attractive tourism destinations which included natural waterfalls, ethnic minority cultures, valleys, wildlife sanctuaries, natural protective areas, eco-tourism destinations and mountains.

He also mentioned the appeal of various farm products which tourists can view along the roads in the province.

Provincial administrative chief Hiek Sophan said: “The committee’s technical group will study and draft a master plan which is expected to be released in August or September.”

Ministry spokesperson Tob Sopheak said on Tuesday that three inter-ministerial committees have been formed to make tourism plans in Siem Reap, Kep and Mondulkiri province.