Siem Reap (FN), Mar. 16 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet outlined the objectives of the Royal Government of Cambodia, setting 2024 as the year to promote tourism, particularly in Siem Reap.

The premier spoke on Saturday (Mar. 16) at the opening ceremony of the 8th River Festival in Siem Reap Province.

Samdech Thipadei stated that in 2024, the Royal Government has launched the campaign "Visit Siem Reap 2024," alongside the year of people-to-people exchanges between Cambodia and China, and the inaugural Cambodia-India Tourism Year, aimed at attracting more tourists to Cambodia.

Samdech Thipadei underscored, “The Royal Government has initiated the "Visit Siem Reap 2024" campaign, designating 2024 as the year of people-to-people exchanges between Cambodia and China, and the first Cambodia-India Tourism Year, with the goal of promoting tourism in Siem Reap and encouraging potential tourists from both countries to visit Cambodia more frequently.”

The premier added that the inauguration of Siem Reap Angkor International Airport on 16 November 2023 presents a new opportunity, greatly enhancing tourism potential in Siem Reap.

Samdech Thipadei underscored that the 7th legislature's Royal Government reaffirmed tourism as a priority sector crucial for Cambodia's socio-economic development. It generates job opportunities, boosts income for citizens, enhances on-spot exports, sustains economic growth, increases national revenue, and plays a vital role in cultural preservation and responsible management of natural resources.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet also announced that a sub-decree has been issued to establish Runa Ek Techo Sen to promote the development of Runa Ek into a beautiful city of Siem Reap, providing convenience to the people and encouraging them to voluntarily relocate from the Angkor resort area.

Prime Minister Hun Manet underlined that relocating people from the Angkor resort area is crucial to meet UNESCO requirements, particularly in preserving the global value of Angkor to remain on the World Heritage List.

Please be informed that according to the report from the Department of Tourism, Siem Reap province received a total of 537,350 tourists from January to February 2024, marking a 62.69 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2023.
=FRESH NEWS