Siem Reap (FN), Mar. 16 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet shared nine recommendations to enhance tourism sector, speaking on Saturday (Mar. 16) at the opening ceremony of the 8th River Festival in Siem Reap Province.

The nine recommendations are as follows:

First, through maintaining peace, which is an indispensable factor for development, Samdech Thipadei called on all citizens to join the Royal Government in safeguarding Cambodia's hard-earned peace and not to allow any country or group to destroy it at any costs. This is aimed at increasing the kingdom's attractiveness and promoting better development in the tourism sector.

Second, continuing to ensure security and public order, with a particular focus on implementing the safe village-commune-sangkat policy consistently and effectively. In this context, Samdech Thipadei called on the need to strengthen security measures at all tourist destinations, not allowing these areas, including riverine locations, to become havens for drug users, human trafficking, or other criminal activities.

Third, relevant ministries, institutions, development partners, and the private sector must continue to collaborate closely, following the 'Dynamics of Stakeholder System' approach, to implement measures and policies aimed at achieving the goals of the special program 'Visit Siem Reap 2024'.

Fourth, relevant ministries and institutions must continue to prioritise the development of riverine areas, particularly in the provinces around the Mekong River and Tonle Sap Lake, to build essential infrastructure supporting tourism, enhance connectivity, and improve transportation. In this sense, Samdech Thipadei mentioned that the Royal Government has been studying the construction of the third Expressway, the Phnom Penh-Siem Reap-Poi Pet Expressway, following the successful launch of the Phnom Penh- Sihanoukville Expressway over a year ago and the commencement of construction for the Phnom Penh-Bavet Expressway on 7 June 2023.

Fifth, promoting the production of diverse tourism products to supply the tourism sector, thereby fostering 'on-site exports' in line with the Pentagonal Strategy - Phase 1 of the Royal Government. In this regard, Samdech Thipadei has urged the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Commerce, and the Siem Reap Provincial Administration to study the establishment of a 'Green Belt' area around Siem Reap. The aim is to ensure the supply of agricultural products such as vegetables, fruits, fish, and meat to meet daily needs and cater to the tourism sector, especially, to develop agro-tourism products to enhance Cambodia's tourism potential.

Sixth, urging the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, and the Siem Reap Provincial Administration to study and consider transforming Phnom Kulen National Park into a highly attractive destination for cultural, natural, adventure, and religious tourism, thereby further diversifying Cambodian tourism products.

Seventh, calling for all relevant ministries and institutions to devise strategies that promote gatherings such as meetings, Vipassana sessions, sports, and other events in Siem Reap, aiming to bolster the success of the special program 'Visit Siem Reap 2024' and coming years.

Eighth, urging the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, the Ministry of Tourism, the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA), the General Department of Immigration, and the Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport Company to collaborate in addressing any issues concerning national and international tourist travel, ensuring that travel is convenient and welcoming.

Ninth, calling all relevant ministries, institutions, authorities at all levels, the armed forces, compatriots, and the private sector to participate with a high sense of responsibility to bring success to this year's River Festival, especially in promoting tourism, aligning with the theme of "River for Peace and Development", "Together for Tourism", and "Tourism for All". Furthermore, Samdech Thipadei called on national and international tour operators, local authorities, and all citizens to actively participate in the "Clean City, Clean Resort, Good Service, Good Hospitality" competition and cooperate in maintaining the beauty, hygiene, and environment crucial for preserving the temple area, which continues to be the inheritance of the next generation.
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