A Ministry of Tourism official said they would finalise an inter-ministerial prakas before the end of this year to enhance tourists’ safety, as previous fatal accidents have led to concerns in the tourism sector.

Tith Chantha, general director of tourism at the Ministry of Tourism, said task force officials, affilated with Tourism and the Public Works and Transportation ministries, would meet next week to discuss the matters concerned with the new decree.

“The prakas will be finalised soon, and we are adding some points. The new directive mentions safety measures, and an emergency service to call in any unexpected accidents,” he said.

“We hope the new prakas will be finalised before the end of this year. It is focused on the enhancenment of tourist safety as well as to push transportation services to become better, both in terms of quality and safety.”

On Febuary 28 this year, an accident caused the instant death of a Russian tourist and left 46 other passengers – largely foreigners – injured. They were rushed to the hospital when a tour bus spun off the road and slammed into a house while en route from Sihanoukville to Koh Kong.

Yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister Men Sam On, who presided over the ceremony of World Tourism Day at the Peace Palace, said the key factors of peace, stability, security, safety and good public order contribute to tourism growth.

“If we don’t manage problems precisely, some problems take place such as traffic accidents, leading to injury, disablity or death, and [they or their relatives] will not be happy,” she said of the transportation problem.

Phan Na, general manager at Sorya Transportation Company and a permanent member of the Cambodia Bus Association, said that the majority of previous accidents stemmed from speeding and insufficiently educated drivers.

He said nearly 30 bus companies operate in Cambodia and some companies do train their drivers regularly.

To contact the reporter on this story: Rann Reuy at [email protected]