Belarusian officials say they will promote Cambodia as a tourist destination for Belarusians as they boost trade between the two countries.

The announcement was made during discussions with Cambodian businessmen at the Cambodian Chamber of Commerce on Monday.

Mikhail Miatlikov, chairman of the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said Cambodia was an appealing destination for Belarusians.

“During the hot season, our people travel to countries that are naturally appealing,” he said.

“I will also organise a program to attract Cambodian tourists who wish to visit the snow.

“A lot of Belarusian tourists travel to Vietnam and Thailand. I want to invite tourism sectors [from Cambodia] to tell our markets about the Cambodian seaside, hotels and the price of accommodation. I hope to initially attract 10,000 tourists.”

Cambodian officials and the private sector have welcomed the tie-up.

Sinan Thourn, chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association in Cambodia, said few Belarusians were currently visiting Cambodia, but the prospect for increased numbers would be positive for both countries.

“If they want to promote our tourism sector, it’s a very good thing,” he said.

“Developing relationships across several sectors will also aid tourism,” he added, referring to the Belarus-based Minsk Tractor Works, which opens its sales office in Cambodia today.

Kong Sopheareak, director of the Department of Statistics and Tourism Information at the Ministry of Tourism, said tourism would be positive for the future in terms of trade connections.