Two major trade expos, the Angkor Food and Hotel and Angkor Build 2019, return to Cambodia that will add a fillip to the dynamic domestic hospitality and construction sectors.

Both the sectors are on the roll, largely propelled by the vibrant economic growth of the Kingdom which is growing at about seven per cent annually and increasingly becoming an attractive market for foreign and local investors.

This year, the touristic Siem Reap will play host to both the events to be held concurrently at the Sokha Resort and Convention Centre from October 10-12.

“This expo is very important as it will be a major tourism event in Siem Reap that can attract more tourists."

“It [expo] will help improve the quality of tourism services, food and beverage preparation, improve hospitality skills of tourism operators and restaurants, so they are in par with national and international standards,” Thim Sereyvudh, chief of Tourism Industry Siem Reap, told the media on July 10.

The Angkor Food and Hotel and Angkor Build exhibitions are organised by Malaysian company AMB Tarsus Events Group and over 300 companies from 18 countries are expected to participate in the event.

A major highlight of the trade fair will be the Cambodian International Culinary and Hospitality Competitions that is aimed to support the development of Cambodia’s fast growing food and beverage industry, especially to enhance the much-needed human resources.

Chan Sophea, founder of Cambodia Chefs’ Association, said the aim of the exhibition was to show the world that Cambodia has the potential to serve food and beverage that can match international standards and also meet the needs of tourists.

“Travelling is not only about accommodation but food and beverage is very important. The reason we chose Siem Reap is because we want to showcase Siem Reap as an attractive province and promote the destination."

“When international companies join this exhibition or chefs from all over the world come to compete in cooking competition, then it will help to attract more tourists,” he added.

Andrew Siow, director of AMB Tarsus, said Siem Reap was chosen to host the event this year as “many people from Siem Reap do not visit Phnom Penh to attend the expo”.

“So, we are here in Siem Reap. We will invite those from the surrounding regions and they will have a chance to attend the international trade show,” he added.

A range of activities are also lined-up for visitors attending the fair such as cake baking and decorating, culinary, pastry, table setting and fruit and vegetable carving contests.

The exhibition is backed by the Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia Chefs’ Association, Cambodia Hotel Association, Cambodia Restaurant Association, and the Siem Reap Tourism Club.

Last year, the expo attracted over 8,000 visitors and this year organisers are expecting some 10,000 industry professionals.

“This year’s event will be a success as there is strong collaboration among many stakeholders to organise the trade fair."

“We strongly believe that industry players, suppliers, technologists will learn from this experience and this will be an advantage for our business.

At the same time, we can also show to the world about our hospitality industry,” Philip Kao, president of Siem Reap Tourism Club, said at the event.