Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Siem Reap post-pandemic tourism strategy in works

Siem Reap post-pandemic tourism strategy in works

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
Local and international visitors walk on a bridge to visit the Neak Pean Temple in Siem Reap on January 1. Hong Menea

Siem Reap post-pandemic tourism strategy in works

The Ministry of Tourism is drafting the “Siem Reap Tourism Promotion and Attraction Strategic Plan 2023-2026”. The plan aims to support the tourism industries post-pandemic recovery by drawing more visitors to the province.

During a January 16 draft review meeting, Song Tonghap, ministry secretary of state and chair of the Siem Reap-Angkor Tourism Management and Development Commission’s (SDTC) promotion sub-committee, explained that the plan was in line with the Siem Reap Tourism Development Master Plan 2021-2035.

“The draft is in response to the recommendations of Deputy Prime Minister Aun Pornmoniroth, Minister of Economy and Finance and SDTC chairman, who noted that we urgently need to develop a promotional strategy for Siem Reap, as a separate tourist destination,” he said.

“The strategic plan’s vision is to attract tourists in even greater numbers than we saw pre-Covid, in 2019. By 2026, we aim to receive three million international and four million domestic tourists a year,” he added.

Thuon Sinan, chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association Cambodia Chapter, said he welcomed the draft plan. He believed it was an excellent response to the Kingdom’s post-Covid recovery, in both a global and Cambodian context.

“The plan seems sound. As long as it is implemented consistently and in line with what is written, it will be a success,” he said.

Tourism ministry spokesman Top Sopheak could not be reached for comment on January 17.

The draft will be submitted to the executive committee of the SDTC– led by Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism – for review before submission to the government for final approval.

MOST VIEWED

  • Ream base allegations must end, urges official

    A senior government official urges an end to the allegations and suspicions surrounding the development of Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base, now that Prime Minister Hun Manet has addressed the issue on the floor of the 78th UN General Assembly (UNGA 78). Jean-Francois Tain, a geopolitical

  • Cambodia set to celebrate Koh Ker UNESCO listing

    To celebrate the inscription of the Koh Ker archaeological site on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, the Ministry of Cults and Religion has appealed to pagodas and places of worship to celebrate the achievement by ringing bells, shaking rattles and banging gongs on September 20. Venerable

  • CP denied registration documents by ministry

    The Ministry of Interior will not reissue registration documents to the Candlelight Party (CP). Following a September 21 meeting between ministry secretary of state Bun Honn and CP representatives, the ministry cited the fact that there is no relevant law which would authorise it to do

  • PM to open new Siem Reap int’l airport December 1

    Prime Minister Hun Manet and Chinese leaders would jointly participate in the official opening of the new Chinese-invested Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport on December 1. The airport symbolises a new page in the history of Cambodian aviation, which will be able to welcome long-distance flights to

  • Cambodian diaspora laud Manet’s UN Assembly visit

    Members of the Cambodian diaspora are rallying in support of Prime Minister Hun Manet’s forthcoming visit to the 78th UN General Assembly (UNGA 78) in the US’ New York City this week. Their move is an apparent response to a recent call by self-exiled former

  • Minimum wage set at $204, after Sep 28 vote

    The minimum wage for factory workers in the garment, footwear and travel goods industries for 2024 has been decided at $204 per month, with the government contributing $2. Following several negotiation sessions, the tripartite talks reached an agreement during a September 28 vote, with 46 of 51 votes supporting the $202 figure.