The Ministry of Tourism and Preah Sihanouk provincial authorities are preparing for co-hosting the Mekong Tourism Forum 2023, with the theme “Rethink for Resiliency and Digitalisation”, from April 24-28.

Thong Rathasak, director-general for Tourism Development and International Cooperation at the Ministry of Tourism, and provincial deputy governor Min Kumpheak on December 8 co-chaired a meeting on the hosting of the forum.

“The organisation of the Mekong Tourism Forum 2023 is aimed at contributing to the revitalisation of tourism and promoting the tourism destinations of the Greater Mekong Subregion.

“Cambodia will use this forum as an opportunity to promote the Visit Cambodia 2023 campaign and the Kingdom’s hosting of the 2023 Southeast Asian Games and Para Games,” Rathasak was quoted in a ministry social media post.

At the meeting, Kumpheak thanked the tourism ministry for consistently paying full attention to the development of tourism in the province, with new products and tourist destinations and important events.

“From December 9-14, Preah Sihanouk province will host the 9th Sea Festival and the world conference of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club [World-Bays Club].

“Preah Sihanouk province has the honour of hosting the Mekong Tourism Forum 2023 and will receive around 200 national and international visitors.

“The provincial administration is to support the programme to ensure its smooth and productive running,” Kumpheak said.

According to the ministry, visitors will arrive in Preah Sihanouk on April 24 and return on April 28, with transport, food and accommodation being provided.

The ministry and provincial authorities will host events at the Prince Times Hotel, with the 51st Greater Mekong Subregion Tourism Working Group Meeting and MTCO Board Meeting on April 25, and the Mekong Tourism Forum 2023 on April 26.

The meeting also examined the possibility of selecting Xihu Hotel and Jign Bie Hotel as partner hotels for national and international guests.

The promoting of domestic tourism with package tours was also looked, with a main focus on areas of potential, as well as seafloor visits to promote the conservation of maritime resources.

To revitalise the tourism sector, the ministry provincial authorities are to promote both direct and digital broadcasting by displaying banners promoting tourism programmes.