Siem Reap post-pandemic tourism strategy in works

Local and international visitors walk on a bridge to visit the Neak Pean Temple in Siem Reap on January 1. Hong Menea

The Ministry of Tourism is drafting the “Siem Reap Tourism Promotion and Attraction Strategic Plan 2023-2026”. The plan aims to support the tourism industries post-pandemic recovery by drawing more visitors to the province.

During a January 16 draft review meeting, Song Tonghap, ministry secretary of state and chair of the Siem Reap-Angkor Tourism Management and Development Commission’s (SDTC) promotion sub-committee, explained that the plan was in line with the Siem Reap Tourism Development Master Plan 2021-2035.

“The draft is in response to the recommendations of Deputy Prime Minister Aun Pornmoniroth, Minister of Economy and Finance and SDTC chairman, who noted that we urgently need to develop a promotional strategy for Siem Reap, as a separate tourist destination,” he said.

“The strategic plan’s vision is to attract tourists in even greater numbers than we saw pre-Covid, in 2019. By 2026, we aim to receive three million international and four million domestic tourists a year,” he added.

Thuon Sinan, chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association Cambodia Chapter, said he welcomed the draft plan. He believed it was an excellent response to the Kingdom’s post-Covid recovery, in both a global and Cambodian context.

“The plan seems sound. As long as it is implemented consistently and in line with what is written, it will be a success,” he said.

Tourism ministry spokesman Top Sopheak could not be reached for comment on January 17.

The draft will be submitted to the executive committee of the SDTC– led by Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism – for review before submission to the government for final approval.

Contact author: Yuth Vireak

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