Phnom Penh (FN), Aug. 22 – To continue alleviating the burden on tourism operators and to support the revival of tourism in Siem Reap, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet announced to extend the tax exemption for tourism businesses for another year, now valid until the end of June 2025.

The premier spoke on Thursday (Aug. 22) on the occasion of the 1st Anniversary of the Royal Government of the 7th Legislature of the National Assembly of Cambodia.

Samdech Thipadei announced that for the tourism sector in Siem Reap, all types of monthly taxes will be exempted, excluding value-added tax and 2023 income tax. Audits on tourism businesses will be postponed until June 2024.

Prime Minister Hun Manet underscored, "To continue easing the burden on operators and to restore tourism in Siem Reap, I have decided to extend the tax exemption for one more year, until the end of June 2025. In addition to this tax relief, the Royal Government has allocated USD 50 million through SME banks to provide loans, particularly to tour operators in Siem Reap."

Samdech Thipadei added that the working group is currently studying and evaluating tourism activities and services to prioritise which should receive this special loan from the Royal Government.

On the occasion, Samdech Thipadei underlined that there are still important tasks and key players needed to further promote tourism in Siem Reap, beyond just tax regulations. Tour guides, who play a crucial role in introducing visitors to the history and significance of temples and national heritage, are also a focus.

Regarding tour guides, Prime Minister Hun Manet noted that the Royal Government had previously assisted by waiving transitional fines for expired tour guide cards until March 2024. To further ease the burden on guides, the waiver has been extended until the end of 2024. While already paid fines are non-refundable, this extension will provide significant relief to them.
=FRESH NEWS