THE launch of a learning centre aimed at boosting tourism around Tonle Sap lake has been delayed until next year.

The Siem Reap-based centre – which was set to help local communities learn more about how to protect their environment and spread information to tourists – was due to be completed this month.

But Thok Sokhom, director of International Cooperation and ASEAN department at the Ministry of Tourism, said this week that due to “big events” over the last few months, concerned officials had delayed the project, billed as an integral part in attracting foreign tourists to the region, until 2011.

He added that officials from the University of Queensland, in Australia, were developing the project’s master plan. The plan was around 70 percent complete but needed more time.

Provinces along Tonle Sap lake set to benefit from the scheme include Kampong Chhnang, Pursat, Battambang, Siem Reap and Kampong Thom.

Sor Roeum, chief of a fishing community in Kompong Phluk, Prasat Bakorng district, Siem Reap, said that he saw the potential for tourism in the area. More information, he said, would boost the sector.

“I try to educate villagers not to clear forest because it has potential to attract tourists.”