Phnom Penh (FN), Nov. 13 – The Royal Government, under the leadership of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, announced to launch a special program "Visit Siem Reap 2024” and other key measures to restore and promote the kingdom’s tourism sector.

The premier spoke at the 19th Government-Private Sector Forum (G-PSF), held on Monday (Nov. 13) at the Peace Palace.

During this occasion, the Prime Minister addressed the critical issue of "restoring and promoting tourism," underscoring the sector's significance in generating employment and contributing substantially to the national economy. Despite experiencing growth, the tourism industry has been severely impacted by the ongoing COVID19 crisis, evident in declining tourist numbers reported by both the Ministry of Tourism and the Angkor Institute. Notably, the resurgence in the sector has been uneven, particularly in major tourist destinations, with Siem Reap, a prominent destination in Cambodia, facing notable challenges in recovering its pre-pandemic levels.

In this regard, Premier Hun Manet underlined that it is necessary for the Royal Government to put in place special measures to promote tourism in Siem Reap. He believed that as the tourism situation in Siem Reap improves, it will also affect other provinces across the country.

On the occasion, the premier announced to launch "Visit Siem Reap 2024” program, in which the Royal Government will set out a number of measures to promote tourism in the province.

In addition, Samdech Thipadei also instructed the Tourism Council, led by the Ministry of Tourism, to establish a comprehensive tourism value chain in Siem Reap. This includes initiatives such as improving connectivity with flights between major tourist destinations, optimizing and timely provision of guest services, and addressing aspects like guest arrivals and departures.

The premier also emphasized the necessity of investing in overall infrastructure, enhancing the aesthetics and functionality of the new Siem Reap Airport, addressing airfare considerations, and optimizing operations in the aviation sector.

On the occasion, Premier Hun Manet encouraged collaboration within the private sector, urging businesses to collectively contribute to the development of tourism, both within the province and across the country, in order to effectively compete with other nations. He designated the Tourism Council to work in tandem with mechanisms aimed at addressing the day-to-day challenges faced by the private sector, encompassing aspects such as management, training, tour guides, vocational training, tourism hygiene, and security management at targeted destinations. The council's responsibilities also include initiatives like installing security cameras at major tourist sites, establishing pricing strategies for foreign and domestic visitors, promoting transparent price tagging, creating tourist maps, incorporating new tourist sites through online advertising, and undertaking infrastructure improvements and construction while minimizing commissioning for innovative travel packages.

To enhance the Siem Reap 2024 special program, the Royal Government introduces measures for border hospitality. The Ministry of Interior's General Department of Immigration will streamline the E-arrival card to a single electronic form from January 1, 2024. Additionally, a hotline system for immediate complaints and a monitoring system with automation and cameras at key destinations will be implemented. These measures will be first tested at Siem Reap International Airport by the end of 2023. Furthermore, the government considers expanding the Border Pass scope, allowing neighboring countries' residents to visit Siem Reap without a passport.
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