Major “Destination Cambodia” Promotions Planned
More than 43,000 Australians and 7,500 New Zealanders visited Cambodia in the first eight months of 2007. This is an increase of 27 per cent and 15 per cent, respectively over the same period last year, said Gordon Bell, Representative, Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia.
[Picured: Gordon Bell has plans to organise a series of agent updates on Cambodia.]
Korea, Japan the USA are the top three tourist generating countries for Cambodia with Australia in the 11th spot.
Tourism officials are confidently optimistic that Cambodia will welcome 2 million tourists by the end of the year. (The figure for 2006 was 1.7 million.).
One of the goals is to increase the length of stay which is currently at a worldwide average of 6.5 days, he said.
Mr Bell feels that many Australians would extend their stay if agents had better product knowledge about the destination and could advise of new facilities and attractions coming on line.
For instance, the artefact-packed the Angkor National Museum opens in central Siem Reap on November 12.
Meanwhile players can tee off on the 7239 Nick Faldo-designed Angkor Golf Resort from November 21.
[Pictured: The signature Angkor Golf Resort opens later this month in Siem Reap.]
This addition to the city’s expanding sporting scene was designed over a 60 hectare lake-dotted expanse less than 10 minutes from central Siem Reap.
The biggest constraint to tourism growth from Australia – in fact, virtually every market – is the lack of air capacity, Bell said.
Cambodia does not have a national airline although he is hopeful that discussions about the establishment of a flag carrier will be successful. It’s one issue he will be bringing up when he meets the country’s new tourism minister, Mr Thong Khon.
“The first priority I want to discuss with him is agent training about Cambodia and its many and varied attractions. I also want to discuss the organisation of a trade roadshow for major centres in Australia,” said Mr Bell.
[Pictured: The Hotel De La Paix provides boutique accommodation in Siem Reap.]
As well, he intends to stage a series of trade information nights and commence a targeted advertising campaign through selected media.
While the representation of the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism through Melbourne-based Amazing Vacations is in its second year many agents are unaware that we can assist in providing current information about the destination. All they need do is ring our office on (03) 9661 0320 for information and advice, he said.
A government website www.mot.gov.kh can also provide information, he added.
Exclusive Report by Thomas E. King, TravelMole’s Travel and Lifestyle Editor
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